I a, having a problem with the engine staying warm and the HVAC not blowing hot air. I have seen others with similar problems and i am fairly certain it is the Thermostat. I went looking for one and found out that ford made it into a housing that costs around $120 and i don't have that kind of money laying around. Was wondering if anyone had any suggestions. was considering a piece of cardboard across part of the radiator. What do you all think?

 

If it's already running hot don't aggravate it further by using cardboard. The $124 thru rock auto is the cheapest stat price I have seen. Much higher than that thru dealer. Start by replacing stat and a cooling system flush. It could also involve clogged radiator.A bad head gasket could also be the cause. The longer you let it go while not fixing it could make it progress to that. That $124 is far cheaper than paying to replace engine.


http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...,parttype,2200

 

No it isn't over heating, it isn't staying warm at all. at freeway speeds it can't hold temp (especially when it is cold) and the gauge drops all the way to minimum before the thermostat closes. Was hoping cardboard might restrict cooling and keep it warmer

 

My bad. I thought stat was sticking closed but you have exact opposite going on. The housing for stat is made of plastic and read elsewhere the tab that retains stat inside can break. That would let coolant pass or stat isn't seating in closed position. The assembly does have a electric heating element that opens and closes stat which accounts for it's price. You should have heat a plenty. I have same engine (2003) and the heater blasts you out of cab.

 

How many miles do you have on your truck? My Ford mechanic tells me that while the thermostat and housing are expensive compared to a plain thermostat, they last longer than a thermostat by itself. Its the "price" we pay for "progress."

As an ad used to say, "You pay me now or you pay me later." Best you go ahead and get a new one though Rock Auto (they have it at a good price) and get back to being warm.