Lower Thermostat Housing - Aluminum [2WD & Syncro]

This lower thermostat housing was originally designed for 4WD Syncros, but can be easily adapted to the 2WD. Read on!

Not so long ago, the OEM Syncro aluminum lower thermostat housing went out of production and quickly became NLA (no longer available). Because of this, we were forced to put on our engineering hats and design a superior replacement part, which we sell here. Fast forward a couple of years and an aftermarket cast aluminum part became available, and we have decided to continue offering both options to our customers. The cast aluminum part is good quality*, yet slightly inferior to our stronger and highly corrosion-resistant anodized billet aluminum Thermostat Housing Kit. So, whether you are looking for a lower-cost OEM replacement, or the very best available, GoWesty has you covered.

*Note: Always check the internal passageways for "flashing" left over from the casting process. It is prudent to use a Dremel tool (or hand file) to clean up any areas that may release small pieces of aluminum into the cooling system. We have notified the manufacturer, and they have assured us they will improve their QC practices in this this area.

You can purchase this cast aluminum lower housing in one of two ways:
• A la carte - the lower housing all by itself
• As a complete kit that includes mounting hardware, temp sensors, and our Temperature Gauge Calibration Kit.*

Fits:
• All 1986-91 4WD Syncro Vanagon
• 1986-91 2WD Vanagon - Use on 2WD requires purchasing the complete kit. It comes with everything you need to update your 2WD to an all-metal thermostat housing.

*We developed this Temperature Gauge Calibration device after experiencing temp gauge anomalies on some in-house installations. Theoretically, any temp gauge in a water-cooled Vanagon should read the same with any of the three types of senders VW used. In practice, we've occasionally found slight differences in coolant temp gauge readings after installing a new metal thermostat housing kit. This is due not only to a difference in the included sensor, but also a lower electrical resistance in the whole circuit due to a nice, new all-metal thermostat housing (and the subsequent elimination of the old, corroded wire). Instructions are included to calibrate the temperature gauge (if necessary).

NOTE: This product/kit does not include the thermostat cover (often referred to as the "upper thermostat housing"). That part is still available in plastic or billet aluminum—although it rarely needs to be replaced.