Question 203 thermostat
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 150
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From: Rio Vista, California
Question 203 thermostat
I installed the 230 degree thermostat from dieselsite. I changed thermostat because I was going about 15 miles before the heater would really kick in. The gauge on the dash used to sit at the very bottom of the normal range. With the new thermostat, the needle points at the R in normal. Big difference. Engine seems to run better at higher temp. The problem is that now it is hard to start when hot! Acts like a gasser that is vapor locked. Lots of cranking, and when it does catch, it is very rough. Feels like it is not firing on all 8. Hit the accelerator pedal (as if you were pumping it) and it smooths out. No codes. Suggestions? I'm not sure where to start looking. Fuel filter and oil changed about 1200 miles ago. 97 F250HD.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 150
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From: Rio Vista, California
I was just looking at the bottom of the thermostat that I pulled out. It is stamped 182 degree!. I didn't know that low of a temp was available. Especially in a diesel.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
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I recently installed a REAL water temp gauge (Isspro) and running normally it's @ 182 degrees - hit 185 the other day pulling a 10' trailer w/ a-c on & 85 outside temp @ 60-65 mph. This translates to the stock gauge barely hitting the "O" in normal.
After reading all this, it seems I'm running way too cold. It sounds like the 203 t-stat is the way to go. For those that have done this, has your experience shown it to run better and get better mileage? I've been averaging 17 MPG.
After reading all this, it seems I'm running way too cold. It sounds like the 203 t-stat is the way to go. For those that have done this, has your experience shown it to run better and get better mileage? I've been averaging 17 MPG.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
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From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
i run one but it is stock on my 95 so can't tell you any difference other than it does run warmer. right about 195 to 200 on my auto meter gauge which on my truck is right about the "o" on the lie-o-meter gauge. as a side note if you guys don't have an aftermarket guage you run the risk on overheating your truck and never knowing it. thats the only reason i have an aftermarket guage.
New User
Joined: May 2006
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From: colorado
what temp is to high
I have a 97 250 the stock temp gauge quit working so I installed a auto meter gauge. My question is I was pulling a 3000 lbs trailer with 1000 lbs in the bed up a steep hill in colorado and my eng temp which is normally around 190 climed up to around 220 and seemed to stay there. what is to hot 220 230 ?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
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From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
Originally Posted by dirtdawg
I have a 97 250 the stock temp gauge quit working so I installed a auto meter gauge. My question is I was pulling a 3000 lbs trailer with 1000 lbs in the bed up a steep hill in colorado and my eng temp which is normally around 190 climed up to around 220 and seemed to stay there. what is to hot 220 230 ?
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,524
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From: CA Bay Area
220 is definitelly sign of overheating. It might not yet pop the radiator cap and spill the coolant, but next time it might.
Get your system checked. Good tool is infra-red thermometer.
I just got new 203 thermostat. Any precaution for changing it?
I am still waiting for coolant filter to arrive to do both at the same time.
Get your system checked. Good tool is infra-red thermometer.
I just got new 203 thermostat. Any precaution for changing it?
I am still waiting for coolant filter to arrive to do both at the same time.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20,419
Likes: 197
From: AZ
Help me out here, I knew that the oil pressure gauge was junk, activied at 6psi. Now I'm reading that the temp guage is junk?!? Where do you put the sending unit, I'm going to the store tommorrow! Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
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From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
i put mine of the drivers side of the water pump. there is a plug there that i just took out and the autometer sending unit i had had the correct adapter with it.pretty easy install depending on where you put your gauge.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
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Originally Posted by tjbeggs
i put mine of the drivers side of the water pump. there is a plug there that i just took out and the autometer sending unit i had had the correct adapter with it.pretty easy install depending on where you put your gauge.
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