1998 Cadillac Catera - Thermostat Housing/Water Outlet

What Is A Car Thermostat Housing?

The thermostat housing or water outlet is a coolant passage that not only protects and seals the thermostat, but also allows coolant to flow back to the radiator when the thermostat is open. Thermostat housings may suffer from corrosion or other damage over time that can prevent them from maintaining a complete seal - this could lead to leaks around the housing or radiator hose. Coolant leaks can quickly lead to engine overheating and damage, so if you suspect that your water outlet or thermostat housing may be leaking, they should be inspected and repaired as soon as possible. In some cases this repair may be as simple as replacing a gasket, but if the housing has been damaged or if the sealing surface is pitted or corroded, it may be a good idea to replace the entire housing assembly or outlet. If you plan to replace your thermostat, make sure to always check the condition of your water outlet or thermostat housing before reassembly, and replace your thermostat housing gasket with a new one to ensure a leak-free repair. O'Reilly Auto Parts carries a selection of thermostat housings, thermostat housing gaskets, thermostats, coolant, and more for your cooling system repair, so check out our selection to find the right parts to keep your car performing at its best.