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Scotty
Dodge Dakota
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7/08/2003
12:45:15

Subject: 165F Thermostat??
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I've read a few posts on this board discussing replacing the OEM 195F thermostat with a lower temp -- usually 175 or 180F, I think. I've had some problems with running hot and my thermo sticking sometimes, so I thought I would try out the lower opening temp suggestions. I went to the local Pep Boys down the street and the guy said they don't have 180F, but they do have 165F and "that should work fine." I bought it, but I'm having second thoughts on actually using it. It just seems a little too far from the recommended 195F.

I'm interested in anyones thoughts, advice or suggestions on all this. Is anyone running with a 165F thermostat? Has anyone experienced problems with a 180F or less?

Also, does anyone know the Starrett (or other) part number for the 180F thermostat? I'm also thinking it probably didn't show up in his book because it's not a recommendation, but they probably have them on the shelves for other vehicles.

Thanks in advace!

Scott
1998 Dakota SLT 3.9L



Cyalume
Dodge Dakota
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7/08/2003
14:37:29

RE: 165F Thermostat??
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Here is some info from KRC Performance:

The stock thermostat Magnum Motor is 195 degrees. This needs to be changed to a 180 degree thermostat. Do not run the 160 degree thermostat, this will throw a code in the PCM for running too cold for too long . The second thing it does, is cause the truck to lay down in third gear by adding too much fuel. There are a lot of people running at 160 degree thermostats and assume that their truck is running fine. They have no idea that the truck could be running quicker.

http://www.krcperformance.com/newcontent/cheapeasy.html



J and J Auto
Dodge Dakota
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7/08/2003
14:59:05

RE: 165F Thermostat??
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Don't put the 165 in you will get a code for
engine running to cold to long 17 on older
systems don't know what it is on the newer ones.

I am running a gates made by stant 180 and it
is running just fine.

Larry
J&J Auto



Eggman
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7/08/2003
15:20:03

RE: 165F Thermostat??
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I ran one for almost 4 years and didn't have any problems.Maybe because it was a 5-speed?

00'r.c,solar yellow 40 flo',160 stat ,trick flow phenolic tb. spacer,R.T. tailpipe,pro-flo air cleaner

Scotty
Dodge Dakota
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7/08/2003
15:39:26

RE: 165F Thermostat?? - correction
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Just for the record, it is of course a STANT themostat, specifically the SuperStat 160F model (not 165F, as you may have also guessed).

Also, mine is a 5-speed as well. Should that make a difference? Eggman: I'm guessing you've never got the low-temp codes as the others mentioned?

Thanks so far for everyones help! I would still like to hear more opinions on this if there are any.

Scott
1998 Dakota SLT 3.9L



Cyalume
Dodge Dakota
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7/08/2003
16:10:29

RE: 165F Thermostat??
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As far as I know, the transmission has absolutely nothing to do with the cooling system. Therefore the transmission wont change the way a thermostat reacts inside your truck.



J and J Auto
Dodge Dakota
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7/08/2003
22:19:13

RE: 165F Thermostat??
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If you live in a warmer area yes you could get
away with it here in northern wisconsin it would
never cut it when it gets cold.

I got a code 17 last winter with the 180

There have been write ups and chrysler also
stated in there test that the V6 put out the
most HP and TQ at 185 187 degree's, a 180
will run right aroud 185

There are so many variables here so every truck
will not react the same, all you can do is try
it and make your own desision but with the 160
you will defenitly lose gas milage it is the
nature of the system to add more fuel when the
operating temp is lowered.

Larry
J&J Auto



Eggman
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7/09/2003
18:04:53

RE: 165F Thermostat??
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I live in Delaware and yes my milage SUCKED!

00'r.c,solar yellow 40 flo',160 stat ,trick flow phenolic tb. spacer,R.T. tailpipe,pro-flo air cleaner

Jon
Dodge Dakota
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7/10/2003
19:39:53

RE: 165F Thermostat??
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Cyalume- the cooling system has everything to do with the trans. Everything is computer controlled, if the engine is running too cold the computer will tell the trans to take it easy until the truck warms up, also the computer will inject more fuel into the engine which will take away lots of power if it runs too rich. Most new vehicles with auto trannies won't shift into overdrive when the vehicle is cold.





Cyalume
Dodge Dakota
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7/10/2003
22:18:18

RE: 165F Thermostat??
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OK, good point, but he said he had a 5 speed manual, which means its not computer controlled, its foot and arm controlled. :D



Scotty
Dodge Dakota
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7/10/2003
22:26:46

RE: 165F Thermostat??
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Thanks for everyone's input. I've decided to exchange the 160F for a 180F and give that a try. I live in Pennsylvania, so the winters do get a little rough. If I get the Code 17 I'll know why!

Thanks again all!

Scott



Osyrus
Dodge Dakota
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7/12/2003
14:10:23

RE: 165F Thermostat??
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I live in Las Vegas, it was 117 degrees yesterday.
I just had my thermostat replaced at the dealer under warranty so Im not gonna replace it in the near future but I was curious:

would the 160 be bad here, the winters are at the coldest in the high 50's and summers the hottest is in the low 120's

Thanks for any replies!



Osyrus
Dodge Dakota
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7/14/2003
22:51:04

RE: 165F Thermostat??
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Anyone have a answer on above post?
Im really curious to know!



Cyalume
Dodge Dakota
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7/14/2003
23:02:19

RE: 165F Thermostat??
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Im sure that you wouldnt have any problems with the 160 there, but my understanding in using a 180 to begin with is for the power that the engine makes at a certain temperature. I believe that i read on a post from Bernd that the peak power producing engine temp for the magnum engine is 187 or so degrees. KRC Performance also say that the 160 wont hurt performance, but it will not help out as much as a 180. With that being said, the power gained from the stock 195 to a 180 thermostat wont be noticed at all in most cases, unless maybe you have a lot of mods, and that is a big maybe. Everything just works together, and with summers and winters being that hot, maybe you should just try a 160 to see. Im sure it wont hurt anything. Let us know how it turns out!



Osyrus
Dodge Dakota
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7/14/2003
23:40:48

RE: 165F Thermostat??
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hmm...thnx for the info bud, gives me something to think about, i might just give it a shot, its only $8 anyway :)





Cyalume
Dodge Dakota
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7/14/2003
23:45:52

RE: 165F Thermostat??
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Yeah, its cheap, and with that kind of heat, you probably wont get the code for stay cold too long. Good luck!



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