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Hawkeye
Dakota Enthusiast
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6/29/2001
21:21:25

Subject: 4.7 180 T-stat install
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Well I just finished installing my 180 t-stat. I have heard folks saying what a PIA it is to do but I did it in 45 minutes. Would have been 20 but I had to wait on my father to bring me a 5/16 hex wrench to open the bleed valve to finish the job. Install was very easy. One thing I did notice is that I had to reset my PCM to get the check engine light to go off. I figure there is a sensor that detected the fluid being gone and just needed to be reset. Going to the beach tomorrow so it will get its first test on the way.

'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
32x11.50 BFG AT's
Jet Power

WEEBEDNA
Dodge Dakota


6/30/2001
15:42:14

RE: 4.7 180 T-stat install
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I just ordered the thermostat for my 4.7. I really haven't even looked to see where the thermostat is. What valve did you draw fluid from (block or radiator)? If block, where is valve located. Any advice is appreciated before I begin.



Hawkeye
Dakota Enthusiast
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6/30/2001
15:52:04

RE: 4.7 180 T-stat install
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Didnt draw fluid from anywhere. Just drove the front end up on ramps and unbolted the two bolts on the lower radiator hose on the block. Had a clean bucket underneath to let the fluid drain into, took out the old stat, put in the new one using the white rubber o ring off the factory one, bolted it back on, poured drained fluid back in, opened bleed valve on top hose, added some water to account for the antifreeze that spilled and I wasnt able to catch in the bucket, (wasnt a lot) cranked her up and let it run for a few minutes to bleed out the air. Did have to reset the PCM, cause the check engine light came on from the fluid being drained out. Drove it to the beach today. Ran like a charm. Stayed at 180 all the way there. While at the beach driving very slowly (5 mph speed limit) through very soft sugar sand which can heat up an engine VERY quickly, it only got up to about 195. Before the change it would have gotten to 210. Very happy with it so far. Interested to see how it does in traffic this week.

'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
32x11.50 BFG AT's
Jet Power

WEEBEDNA
Dodge Dakota


6/30/2001
22:20:02

RE: 4.7 180 T-stat install
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thanks much for the response. I wasn't sure what to expect...

i ordered the 180 thermostat and the DEI 'radiator relief'additive from Speedtreaks.net that everyone seems to be raving about...sounds like it should really help keep temps down...



Doug McCoach
Dodge Dakota
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7/01/2001
02:46:09

RE: 4.7 180 T-stat install
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Gentlemen, installed mine last weekend. Very happy with it too. It does run @ 180 degrees most of the time. If its real hot & I'm stuck in traffic, it can go up to 210, but the fan clutch kicks in & brings it down. Also, if I am running it hard & the weather is hot, the temp guage rises, but when normal driving resumes, it goes right back to 180 degrees. Not bad for the $10 & hour of your time huh?

2000 QC 4x4 Auto 3.55's 4.7L V8



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