Chrysler Repair: 99 3.2 MOTOR: leak at thermostat housing, foot pounds, coolant

Question
MY PROBLEM IS I AM LEAKING COOLANT IN THE FRONT OF THE MOTOR WHERE THE HOSE GOES TO THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING. HOW COULD I FIX IT?

Answer
Hi Jeff,
If you mean that the leak is from the interface of the thermostat housing and the engine, then that is held in place by two bolts that should be torqued to about 9 foot-pounds. If they are not loose, then you need to remove the housing and replace the gasket that goes between the housing and the block, after cleaning off the surfaces on both sides. If it is a hose leak, you can simply remove the clamp from the hose fitting that is leaking (if the clamp isn't simply loose and needs to be tightened) and then remove the hose and inspect it to see why it is leaking. You might be able to just cut off the end if it simply cracked and reuse the hose if it still has enough slack, or if not, then replace the hose. Refilling the coolant that has been lost may be a bit tricky because it appears to use a special refill funnel that I don't quite picture as to what it looks like and why you need it. But you could inquire about that at a dealer parts counter or a parts store. It is called special tool 8195.
If I haven't addressed the exaxt location of the leak, write me back and describe it for me.
Roland