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NITE WOLF
Dodge Dakota
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8/05/2004
07:31:51

Subject: thermostat
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2000 dak 4.7
which thermostat should i go with (coolest)and it still run properly,160 be to cold?



greendak
Dodge Dakota
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8/05/2004
08:23:15

RE: thermostat
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a 180 degree t-stat will work best. a 160 degree t-stat will make ur truck run rich(thats what I have heard).



krcperformanc
Dodge Dakota
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8/05/2004
08:56:14

RE: thermostat
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www.Krcperformance.com comfirms that "greendak"



.boB
Dodge Dakota
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8/05/2004
11:01:41

RE: thermostat
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I replaced mine with a 180* a year or so ago. Truck idled poorly, and gas mileage dropped. Didn't notice any performance gains at all. After about 300 miles, I changed it back to stock.

'01, QC, 5.9/4x4/auto/3.92



TexasTodd
Dodge Dakota
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8/05/2004
12:01:42

RE: thermostat
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.boB,

I didn't see any change in idle, do you have an auto? I don't.

Did you really expect to see a performance gain, by going from a 195-180 T-stat? Why?

I know I have a few more ponies unleashed, by getting rid of my belt driven Clutch/fan. I put in the 180, mainly for that.

Incidentally, my truck runs cooler now, with the 180, and no belt driven clutch/fan, than it did stock, with the 195(I think that's what they come with).

But I never thought I would even think that I felt a performance ungrade, by putting in the 180.

NOw, I'm sure the 180, in your truck did as you say, rough idle and all, dunno know why mine has been fine with it.

Also, if you talk to a hardcore engineer, with proper maintenance, the engine will potentially last longer, running slightly cooler.

And yes, for the computer systems, you can easily get it too cold.

My 6 cents,
Todd Bouton



jim
Dodge Dakota
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8/05/2004
13:49:40

RE: thermostat
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i have a 99 r/t with a 180 and have had zero
problems, and i like the fact of the engine
running cooler. As for performance...well when
your trucks cold in the morning it seems like it
has a little more power, now i feel that more
often, but its are to notice 4 hp...



greendak
Dodge Dakota
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8/05/2004
14:50:12

RE: thermostat
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I did it b/c I didnt like my temp staying around 210 degrees, especially during the hotter months of the year.



.boB
Dodge Dakota
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8/05/2004
16:51:57

RE: thermostat
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Todd, I swapped it looking to get it a little cooler. Because I'm an old school kind of guy, I always like engines to run around 180* 'ish. I didn't really expect any performance improvement. I was just commenting that I didn't, even though so many claim they do.



Ken
Dodge Dakota
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8/05/2004
17:17:25

RE: thermostat
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160 would be too cold. For one, it'll trip your MIL code because the engine never warms up to "proper engine temperature". Think it takes a couple of cycles, but it'll come on.

A 180 t-stat is not what I would call a performance modification, it's more of a protection from loss of performance. These Magnum engines run best around 190-195 degrees. However, with a 195, you don't even start cooling till 195, so you're already starting to lose performance by the time the t-stat opens up. In the summer heat, especially while just sitting there, you can quickly get up to 210-220 degrees, which then your clutch fan kicks it up to high gear and it's a real drag. With the 180, it takes a lot longer to reach that 210+ degrees. One problem I have, though minor, is heat in the winter. Mainly because, I get on the highway before my engine really warms up, so the air keeps it pretty cool, so I never get more than lukewarm air blowing. On the weekends, when I drive it in town, she heats up nice and warm. Easy solution to that is let it warm up first (should actually let it do that anyway, but how many of us really do), or put something like a piece of cardboard in front of your radiator for those winter months. As for idling problems, none here. Mine idles nicely around 500-600RPM after it warms up. Another option for those winter months is an electric fan, since you can prevent it from coming on until the engine gets warmed up, whereas the clutch fan is always running.



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