Thermostat replacement?

[444ornothing]

Hello, i just replaced my water pump and thermostat. The temp, according to my aftermarket temp gauge, detects that the truck runs around 200 degrese. At times when I'm in the throttle for a while it climbes to 210. I was woundering if putting a 180 t-stat would be better for two reason; better performace and safer temp? It feels like the truck runs great around 185 and when it reaches the 200 degree area it tends to be more sluggish. any advice on this anyone?

 

[JRJ04]

actually, you should put in a 203* t-stat. thats where these engines like to run the best.

 

[Butch Cassidy]

I tried a higher tstat the 203 degree unit - in 8 trucks - bad idea on my behalf.

Problems encountered were: overheating (many units were stuck closed), higher Nox levels at emission testing.

I went back to the oem 195 tstats - not 1 problem encountered with overheating or high Nox emission levels - life is good!

butchcassidy1

 

[444ornothing]

thanks! I guess I'll leave the girl alone then.

 

[JRJ04]

Butch, where did you buy them 203* ones from? Were they long stem? I know you must use the long stem for this to be effective. Read this from dieselsite:

http://www.dieselsite.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=186

Specifically, under the heading "WHY A LONG STEM AND NOT A SHORT STEM?"

 

[hheynow]

In six years of monitoring diesel forums Butch Cassidy is the first I've noticed to not find a 203*F t-stat advantageous.