Two of the three thermostat manufacturers that I looked at list a gasket for the thermostat also. So maybe.

The other one said it had a paper style gasket that also required gasket sealant.

As a part that is only $14 for the thermostat and about $11 for the gasket. Me personally I would be willing to buy one and give it a go. Provided you can buy it local with no shipping costs.

It is a pain in the <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" /> to get to this part once the engine is all together though. Have to remove the timing gear etc.

Nabsie, what do you mean when you say it is difficult to get to this part after the engine is assembled? The thermostat housing is no problem for me to get off. Why would the timing gear be involved? Am I missing something?

I asked previously if this was part of the water pump assembly which you said it was.

I recently had my water pump replaced because it was leaking and they had to remove all the timing etc to get it off.

Replaced the thermostat at the same time as the original one was looking sad after 100,000kms.

Maybe it wasn't necessary to do this!? Or perhaps I misunderstood and he was meaning he had to remove the belts for air con and power steering and probably the timing belt cover.

Had some other work done at the same time like valve cover gasket and half moon seals.

PROBLEM SOLVED. I got a 56mm thermostat from Japan Car Express. The rubber ring that came with it made up the missing 4mm. The thermostat fit the housing perfectly. I appreciate everyone's help in this.

hey! not that it matters now, but napa likely has a thermostat in stock for 1987 ford ranger 2.3L turbodiesel, available in different temperatures, but where i am is real cold in the winter, maine gets cold too i hear - get a 195F thermostat, and keep your cooler one, likely a stock 160F for the summer. i bought mine from 'parts source', a subsidiary of canadian tire doing competition with napa, cost me $11. way better than the price for OEM thermostat at $35+!