7.3 thermostat
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,121
Likes: 3
From: Orrville, Ohio
In 1995 I believe the stock thermostat was rated at 203*. I believe the 195* stat made its debut in 1996.
The 203* is a great choice for these engines. The change was made to the 195* for emissions reasons, but I have run both and IMO, the 203* is the way to go. Some will disagree with me, but that's my $.02.
The 203* is a great choice for these engines. The change was made to the 195* for emissions reasons, but I have run both and IMO, the 203* is the way to go. Some will disagree with me, but that's my $.02.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,799
Likes: 103
From: Ashland City, TN
Mines working good.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,526
Likes: 6
From: College Station, TX
Some will disagree w you nate but theres a huge 203* population that swear by them. I'm considering it myself by my mileage is currently so good that I'm scared to change anything.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,121
Likes: 3
From: Orrville, Ohio
The big thing is that a diesel's combustion is by the heat and pressure created inside the cylinder. The hotter the engine is, the easier it is to make the fuel burn (to a point). Additionally the PCM adjusts the injection timing advance based upon EOT (engine oil temperature). Supposedly it starts advancing the timing around 185* EOT, and goes up from there. So really the engine isn't starting to run to its full potential until the PCM sees it is at optimal temperature. Besides, International installed 203* Tstats in all the DT444E's that they produced for medium duty use, so the engine was originally designed to run best at that temperature.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,121
Likes: 3
From: Orrville, Ohio
I know some will disagree with me but I have run the 195 and the 203 (from dieselsite) in by '96 motor, and I am assuming the '95 motor I am running now has the 203* (it seems to run about the same on the gauge as my old 203* in the '96). I realy like it. It seems to warm up quicker and the heat gets real good and hot when it is cold out side. The truck definitely runs a lot better once it is warm and the faster I can get it warm on my short commute to work, the better.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,623
Likes: 0
From: Rockford IL
Thanks nate! Much appreciated...
I always knew it was a simple mod some people list or talk about doing, but I never really cared enough to do it since my heater is fine and my avg mpgs are around 16.
And judging by ur info I should have the 195*
Any way to check?
I always knew it was a simple mod some people list or talk about doing, but I never really cared enough to do it since my heater is fine and my avg mpgs are around 16.
And judging by ur info I should have the 195*
Any way to check?
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,121
Likes: 3
From: Orrville, Ohio
That is correct. The only way I know of would be to put an auxiliary temp gauge on it and see were it runs. On the stock gauge (which is an approximation really) mine (with the 203*) runs right about in the middle or upper end of the R in NORMAL on the gauge. Right around the R or M most of the time.
FOREIGN GURU
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,655
Likes: 7
From: Celaya, Gto. MX
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,121
Likes: 3
From: Orrville, Ohio
That's the only way to know for sure, but as tough as the stock housing is to get sealed back up, I wouldn't recommend it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,526
Likes: 6
From: College Station, TX
I'm about to do oil cooler an new coolant. I guess just hit it good with the emory cloth and a new gasket is best chance for success huh?