View Poll Results: Which Thermostat Do YOU Run
180* Thermostat
7
7.00%
195* Thermostat
41
41.00%
203* Thermostat
47
47.00%
It really doesnt matter...
5
5.00%
Voters: 100. You may not vote on this poll
203* Thermostat
Thread Starter
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9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
Likes: 58
From: Missouri
203* Thermostat
I saw this 203* thermostat on DieselSite. I was wondering if anyone is running this and what they have to say about it. I am doing a coolant system overhaul and plan on replacing my thermostat. If this one is better, Id rather spend the extra $13 over the Ford one.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
DON'T DO IT! I had mine for two weeks before it stuck closed and nearly fried my engine. I was driving through Colorado and boiled all the water out of my radiator. I dropped the thermostat in a boiling pot of water and couldn't get it to open even a little. I do like the DieselSite billet housing, but I didn't notice a single improvement from the 203* t-stat.
Thread Starter
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9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
Likes: 58
From: Missouri
Heres a question.. If you change out the thermostat do you need to drain coolant? I was thinking "Heck.. these thermostats (180*, 195*, 203*) are only $20-40. What if I tied each of them."
It seems people's results seem based on their climate. I live in a very stable climate of 60*-80* year round. So theoretically, I could try each one and see which one my truck likes best.. right?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,298
Likes: 25
From: Damon (South East Texas)
My truck likes it. I lost a little mpg when I switched back to the 195* for about a year. I have had (2) Dieselsite 203* stats and no problems with either one. My EOT stays in the accepted normal range even in 100+ degree ambient temps. I'm not going to switch back again. I gave my first one away to another member, who as far as I know, is still running it. It's probably over 5-6 yrs old now.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I've been running one for nearly two years. The truck seems to run fine on it, I'll probably get another one next time. Avg mpg is 15-16 town/mixed and 17 pure 70+ mph hwy.
A water temp gauge would be nice to have for data collection if you are going to experiment with different t-stats.
A water temp gauge would be nice to have for data collection if you are going to experiment with different t-stats.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,771
Likes: 3
From: Louisiana
I actually just installed a 180 yesterday. Jody mentioned trying it after live tuning when he saw my EOT run up to upper 230 range. Cruisin down the highway now, and the EOT is staying at 205 pulling a boat in some hills in north central LA.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 1
From: Northern Idaho
Personally I'm a believer that more heat = less life expectancy. These trucks do prefer to run at 200F or so. So with that I'll stick with the stock 195. Specially since I have a 6 speed and have no worry about auto trans temps.
Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,037
Likes: 4
From: Grand Lake, La.
I don't understand what you are saying here. If you were at the 230* range while live tuning and 205* range while towing the boat, how is the 203* stat effecting these temps? At 203* the stat is fully open.
I've been running the 203* stat for a few years now with no problems.
