Ok I got a 2009 MCS late last year, pulled the intake manifold to walnut blast and saw the zip tie lol. Should I be worried? What part is that and is it easy to replace?

 

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...h/11537548652/

You are missing this clip that holds the water pipe onto the thermostat.

 

Thanks! Just ordered the clip. I read it’s a pain to install, maybe that’s why jury rigged like that. Is it possible to install the clip now without loosing coolant?

 

Yes it's slightly painful to get the clip to seat correctly when pushing it into place, but it can be done. Unless something else is wrong or compromised with the water pipe it should go without a hitch.

 

Surprised to see that. I think that mess would be more difficult than just installing the proper clip. There may be another reason for the zip ties, such as broken water pipe or thermostat housing in such a way that the clip is no longer usable for keeping it all together. It does appear that your water pipe is broken where the clip would go.