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Drew
Dodge Dakota
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9/05/2002
17:54:57

Subject: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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Ok, i made a couple of purchases today and i want to make sure i got the right stuff. First off, i bought 4 pairs of Autolite 3923 plugs(which totals up to 8 plugs for those not good in math.) They are the regular kind, not the plantium kind.

Second, i bought a Robert Shaw Generation 2 Thermostat. Part number GT755-180. This is what i'm not sure about if this is the right one, the Autozone guy said this is the part when he looked it up. I saw him do it too so i believe him but i wanna check up with the Mastas of the Daks first. Hehe, that's you if you don't know who i'm talkign about. Please respond if you know! Thank you.



Canucker
Dodge Dakota
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9/05/2002
18:04:05

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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yes, you have the right part number.



Drew
Dodge Dakota
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9/05/2002
20:00:24

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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Well, looked like i found the answer i was looking for. Well, thanks, any more comments could be appreciated.



Art
Dodge Dakota
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9/05/2002
20:24:35

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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Right part#s, I found that the NGK ZFR5F-11 plugs worked best for me in the 4.7 anyway maybe they will work better for you



dak-quack
GenIII
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9/06/2002
09:40:44

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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I like the 3923's in my 4.7. Gave the exhaust more of a rumble at idle (but still smooth, not a rough idle).

I put in that very stat yesterday. Piece of cake. I worked the top bolt from above and the bottom bolt from below. Didn't even trap any air when I was done!

2002 QC, 4.7 3.92 4x4 AT LSD
Line-X, Autolite 3923's, TPS adjusted to .75v On Order: Gibson cat-back, Intense Z-Tube, Fastman TB, Clear Corners

dak-quack
GenIII
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9/06/2002
09:52:17

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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1 weird thing though. the temp gauge doesn't read any lower than it did before....about a 1/4" above the left hash mark.

This is strange because I tested the stat on the stove in a pot of boiling water before I installed it. It began opening around 183 degrees. Maybe I'll check the stock one....hmmm....where is it?



2002 QC, 4.7 3.92 4x4 AT LSD
Line-X, Autolite 3923's, TPS adjusted to .75v On Order: Gibson cat-back, Intense Z-Tube, Fastman TB, Clear Corners

REKER
*GenIII*
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9/06/2002
12:07:00

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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what happens if u trap air??.. and how do u know if u trapped air or not???



ROB aka REKER

"Gas, Grass and Ass....... NOBODY Rides for Free!!"

2000 Intense Blue Club Cab
fully loaded
4.7L V8 Auto 4X4
3.55 Gears
Mods: Homebrew Grille and Cd Player.. more to come!!!!

Tom
Dodge Dakota
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9/06/2002
12:26:19

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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Dont worry about trapping air! Do worry about the water you replace in your radiator. Use Distilled water and non-silica base anti-freeze 50/50 ratio. Redline water wetter is great additive for lowering the water temp. Only use if you live in a warm climate.



Dr.Dakota
Dodge Dakota
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9/06/2002
12:56:42

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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Distilled water??? As a chemist I'll tell you that distilled water is a waste of time. Use distilled water in your battery, not in your engine. Lets reveiw, distilled water is free of contaminants like metal ions, but you put it into a metal engine??? The second it hits your engine it becomes distilled water with metal ions in it...thus it isn't distilled anymore, and a waste of time.

I got a good question...when smog time comes around, do you have to put the stock plugs and thermo back in?



Tom
Dodge Dakota
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9/06/2002
14:11:10

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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It is a good thing you are are a chemist! Distilled water is by far better then tap water. When water is distilled, it contains no solids, minerals, or trace elements. Use what you want!

Cold engine creates more smog. Specifically, the Cats are not heated up, therfore more un-burned fuel etc is passed throught your exhaust system.
How in the heck can a mechanic with a third grade education figure out that you have a 180 Thermostat? How would spark plugs interfere with a smog check? If they are fouled, thats it.



Drew
Dodge Dakota
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9/06/2002
17:37:36

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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Ok....i need help now. I need COMPLETE installation instructions for the spark plugs and thermostat. PLEASE HELP ME!!!!



Drew
Dodge Dakota
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9/06/2002
18:10:07

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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Ok, i went to a local shop and asked them how much would the labor cost for installing the new spark plugs AND 180 degree thermostat. They said $106.50 + tax for labor. I told them i had all the parts and everything that's how much for the labor. I asked what bout just the spark plugs. They said $46.50 for just the spark plugs, which are 8 of em. What do yall think, i know i'm not gonna do it but, i still wanna know is that price range right? Couldn't i do this myself? If so, what are instructions? Oh, they also said the labor would take 2-2 1/2 hours to do. Please help...



FortWorth4x4
GenIII
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9/06/2002
19:43:39

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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About what water to use when changing the radiator. Distilled and Tap are both bad. Deionized Water is the the way to go.

I read this in this months issue of Petersen's 4 Wheel & OffRoad on page 94.

'99 White CC SLT 5.2L V8 4x4 Auto 9" Lift 35x12.5x15 ProComp Xterrains....plus more.

handi2
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9/06/2002
22:03:33

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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Deionized water contains no metal but I don't know who sells it. I have installed allot of the deionizing equipment in plants and hospitals but thats all I know who uses it.

http://photos.yahoo.com/handi254310

2002 Quad Cab SLT Plus 4.7 Every Available Option
Access Tonnoue Cover/Bedrug/360 Air Intakez/Jet Stage 2
180 Robertshaw/Roadmaster Active Suspension
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durtydog
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9/06/2002
23:22:16

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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you guys are going to laugh i work for a spring water company here in nj and i sell Deionized water.only in 5 gal bottles sorry!most super markets sell it make sure it doesn't say distilled.

98 club cab sport 5.2 4x4 durtydog is done dirt cheap

durtydog
GenIII
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9/06/2002
23:29:34

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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just so you guys know when spring water (witch has metals and calcium)go thru a cooler with a hot tank at 180 degrees it leaves deposits on the heating element and crystalizes inside the tank!
with the deionized water (witch is stripped of metals and calcium)leave no deposits at all.

98 club cab sport 5.2 4x4 durtydog is done dirt cheap

JIM
Dodge Dakota
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9/06/2002
23:30:43

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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Spark plugs give exhaust more rumble?????????
HUH????????????




FortWorth4x4
GenIII
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9/07/2002
00:06:25

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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Peak coolant is already mixed 50/50. No water needed.

It contains the deionized water. So if you dont want to find a place to get it you can just buy Peak.

But Im going to try and find some deionized water locally here in the Fort Worth area.

Let me know if anyone knows of a store carries it, so I know where to go.

'99 White CC SLT 5.2L V8 4x4 Auto 9" Lift 35x12.5x15 ProComp Xterrains....plus more.

dakotadude00
Dodge Dakota
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9/07/2002
14:12:10

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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All your local drug stores like walgreens and cvs should carry the deionized water. but look around, it might not be in the actual "water" ilse. I found it in the first aid/geriatric ilse at my local cvs!!



Drew
Dodge Dakota
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9/07/2002
14:34:52

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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HEY! This post was not about water...it was about me!....no offense. Now, can anybody help me or what?



HSKR
Dodge Dakota
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9/07/2002
15:41:08

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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Dude, installing spark plugs, even on a 4.7 is somethign anybody shoudl be able to do. It's not that hard. With the 4.7's, you just have to remove the coil packs, and then pull the plug. Shouldn't take more than 1 hour in your driveway. For the thermostat, I'm not real sure how the 4.7's work. I think you pretty much have to drain the whole system to change just the t-stat. Once again though, shoudl be something you can do in your driveway at home. Make it a nice Saturday afternoon project. Shouldn't take more than 3 hours tops for t-stat and plugs.





Drew
Dodge Dakota
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9/07/2002
16:04:40

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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Ok, i never said my truck was a 4.7L and i don't know where you got that but anyway, it's a 3.9L





HSKR
Dodge Dakota
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9/07/2002
16:10:18

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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Well, if it's a 3.9, then it's even easier. Shouldn't take more than 30 minutes to change plugs, and maybe 1 hour for t-stat. You will need the proper tools, and a drain pan for the anitfreeze.





Drew
Dodge Dakota
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9/07/2002
16:26:17

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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Ok....dude, i know NOTHING about how to do this stuff...i'm what you would call a newbie...i'm a learner. I guess i could take a try at the plugs, but i don't even know where the thermostat is...i looked, i may have one possible location for it but not sure.



MIghtyDakSXT
GenIII
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9/07/2002
16:33:09

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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Drew -- Just out of curiousity, how old are you?

As HSKR said, changing your plugs is something anyone can do. It's a pain in the butt, but something you shouldn't have to pay a mechanic to do. Getting at the #5 and #6 plugs are a challenge. The thermostat, follow the large radiator hose to the top of your engine. It's right under there. You're going to lose some coolant when remove the hose, so you'll want to have some handy when you've installed the new t-stat and gasket. You shouldn't have a problem. It's pretty straight forward.


2002 RC SXT, 3.9 Liter V6, 5-spd, 3.55 rear, Extang Tonneau, Autolite 3923 Plugs, Borg Warner Cap & Rotor, Quick D Intake, Modified V8 TB, Gibson Exhaust, Robert Shaw 180° T-stat, Custom Grille, Custom JBA 8mm Power Cables

Drew
Dodge Dakota
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9/07/2002
17:29:27

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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Hehe, i am proud to say i'm 16 years old. Hey, i'm learning a lot about trucks and i got my dakota last year in december. I'v added a couple stuff to my truck and am now if a frenzy mode to make it the coolest street truck. But, that's not the only reason, i wanna do it because i'm very insterested in it, i mean, hey, this might be my future!



Drew
Dodge Dakota
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9/07/2002
17:30:48

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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Oh, mightydak, thanks for the tip, i'll take a try at it. If anybody wants to see my truck? Please email me!



PJ
Dodge Dakota
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9/07/2002
19:46:44

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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We all assumed that you had a V8 because you mentioned that you bought 8 plugs.



Drew
Dodge Dakota
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9/07/2002
20:24:09

RE: AUTOLITE and THERMOSTAT, look plze!
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Lol, i know, i really have a V6. I read in another post that 8 plugs was needed but after i bought them and looked at my engine, i realized only 6 was needed. What a waste of $1.94 of a pair of plugs, lol. Btw, i FINALLY got my dakota manual so now i can understand things clearer about my engine. When i bought my used dakota, it came with a ram manual....dumb dealers...



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