Hi again, 1 quick question: What is the advantage if any, to replace the thermostat with a higher temperature thermostat ie, 205 degrees? in replace of a 190?
Thanks

 

Read here....

http://www.dieselsite.com/index.asp?...ROD&ProdID=186

I just bought one and as far as I know its the only place to get a 203 thermostat for the 96+ powerstrokes. You can get 205's for the 94 and 95's but they are a short stem thermo and the 96+ take a long stem. Parts houses only carry a 195 for the 96 up.

 

Ok thatnks for the information.
But my question is what is the advantage of getting one? why is hotter better?

 

I run a 203 degree stat in my 97 PSD. Diesels are at there best when they are good and warm. You get better combustion at high temps than low. I noticed about a .5 mpg boost when I put mine in. This stat also helps get your engine up to operating temps quicker than a lower stat which is good if you make short trips.

 

That sounds reasonable to me, METERGUY56.
Thanks for the explanation!

 

WHY IS 203o BETTER THAN 195o?

Diesels run most efficiently at approximately 200o or above. A factory equipped 192o/195o thermostat will maintain an operating temperature at approximately 165o-170o. The Powerstroke has such an efficient cooling system, that this low flow when the thermostat is slightly open is normally enough to keep the engine cool. The downfall to this is that the engine -- when our trucks are not under load --never begins to reach its optimal operating temperature. Our 203o thermostat maintains a minimum operating temperature of 190o. This brings the operating temps up from as low as 170o to as high as 203o depending on the operating conditions of the truck. This is closer to the operating temperature range that is preferable in our trucks for optimal efficiency.

When our trucks are under load and are producing higher combustion temperatures the 203o will allow the engine to run even closer to its optimal operating temperature. If the truck is under load and reaches the 203o setting, the thermostat is then fully open. This means you are at the maximum coolant temperature that the truck will reach. Your maximum temperatures are only a few degrees higher than in stock configuration, but these are degrees that you want for better performance. The best benefits come when the same truck is under a light load and would have a hard time reaching this optimal temperature. As stated above, you will never reach this optimum temperature with the stock 195o thermostat. The end result of installing the 203o thermostat should be slightly better fuel economy, less smoke, and maybe a few extra "ponies" to go along with it.

Copied from the link I gave you......

 

Thanks LT! This explains it in great detail.

 

I changed mined when I replaced the water pump. I had no idea that I was getting a different thermostat because one of the guys I worked with had the temperature as I did - the needle went to the N in Normal. After the change it now goes to between R and M, just like my Bronco. I still don't know what temperature it is, I used the NAPA part that was in the book.

It definitely warms up quicker, fuel mileage got a small boost, and it's nice that I actually have to turn the heat down, even in the winter, because it gets really hot in the cab.

 

Freak, do you have problems with snow and ice sticking to you windshield wipers even after it is warmed up and been driving awhile? Have any ideas as how to combat this problem?

 

Up here in Oswego lately I've had a problem with snow and ice sticking all over my truck! It's absolutely amamzing how much snow, the bed of truck is filled higher than the bedrails, and is still there after a 200 mile drive!

Seriously though, I sure do. I deal with it in a couple of ways. First I use the defrost (not the mix) setting because it sends a lot more air to the windshield, crank up the temp and the fan, and use the wipers in the longest interval, and it will usually fly off in big chunks. I also use a windshield wash fluid that has ice melt in it, some of that will usually run down and loosen things up. It usually gets too hot in the cab, so I just crack open one of the back windows so I can keep the heat on the windshield. If I happen to stop, I pull the ice off, if any is still there.

 

Thanks for the insighte. I was thinking about putting some kind of duct directing the defrost point blank at the bottom of the windshield or trying to find out if they have a after market defrost strip that sticks to the windshield and plugs in to the cigarette lighter, (disposable after each season). who knows?

 

If memory servers me right the short stemed t stat will work in place of long stem t stat correct???

 

No it wont. You wont get proper flow.

 

hhhhmmm think i have a short stem in mine, but then again it;s the international pump with filter not the stock ford one

 

94-95 have short stem. 96+ has the long stem. But if your water pump has been replaced it could be either....