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‘91 7.3L overheating?

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Old Nov 5, 2025 | 09:42 PM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by BigBlue2
is that a motorcraft thermostat? Seems skimpy.
No, aftermarket. Every one of these I've seen that isn't Motorcraft is broken like this. I'm normally not part of the "oem only" crowd, but in this instance it does have to be.
 
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Old Nov 6, 2025 | 10:49 AM
  #17  
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Originally Posted by ToughOldFord
No, aftermarket. Every one of these I've seen that isn't Motorcraft is broken like this. I'm normally not part of the "oem only" crowd, but in this instance it does have to be.
I am an OEM guy. I try to get motorcraft replacements if available. I have had to replace a motorcraft thermostat after 1 year it failed open. But I was able to get refunded as they have a 2 year warranty. The replacement has been working now for at least a year, maybe two, I'd have to check my log. So even motorcraft is not bomb proof. I do recommend motorcraft wiper replacements. They are the longest lasting great performing wipers I've seen. Lasting around a decade or more.
 
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Old Nov 6, 2025 | 10:43 PM
  #18  
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Just checked my log book. Second motorcraft thermostat was installed 2-1/2 years ago and a little over 10,000 miles. So if it goes TU I'm on my own this time. By the way, regardless of which brand you go with test the opening temperature in a pot of water on the stove. Make sure it meets spec before installing. 190 degrees if I remember correctly.
 
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Old Nov 7, 2025 | 07:23 AM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by BigBlue2
Just checked my log book. Second motorcraft thermostat was installed 2-1/2 years ago and a little over 10,000 miles. So if it goes TU I'm on my own this time. By the way, regardless of which brand you go with test the opening temperature in a pot of water on the stove. Make sure it meets spec before installing. 190 degrees if I remember correctly.
13 years and about 90k miles my Motorcraft t-stat is still within specs. Start to open at 190F and full open at 212F--I rarely see above 212F.
 
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Old Nov 7, 2025 | 09:41 AM
  #20  
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My 88 still has the original t stat in it.
36.5 years and just about 500,000 miles.
 
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Old Nov 7, 2025 | 10:17 AM
  #21  
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My original 6.9 lasted for 300K miles with the original tstat. But the rings were worn and the head gasket blew. I dropped in a new 6.9 and that tstat lasted over 100K miles before failing open. I'd say the older your motorcraft tstat the better the quality.
 
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