Does any one make a good quality 180 degree stat for our engines? I turned up the boost to 11 psi, 900 or so on the pyro, and the temp pops right up to 200 when going up any hill with a gw of 11,100. The radiator is a 97 f450 ps unit , cleaned and perfect. I know the intercooler and condenser block some airflow but it isnt even summer yet and I hate heating issues.

I think with years of experience under my belt that starting out at a lower temp would help for a while, also I am working on modding the fan clutch to come on sooner, I will see how that turns out.

Thanks
Russ

 

I would wait till summer to see if you have a heat issue.
Since a diesel is more efficient at higher temps because of more complete combustion running a lower temp thermostat is not recommended.
Also since the thermostat is normally closed most of the time in the winter you are probably just seeing the temp spike as the thermostat opens for the first time of two.

We are in the single digits here, the bottom of my radiator has not even been warm once in the last three weeks.

 

Diesel engine coolant temperature at the top of the radiator where hose attaches after high rpm or under load condition for 20 minutes should be (195-237*F) 91-114*C nice time to have a temperature reading point and shoot tool.

The overheat light comes on at 244*............. that would be time to worry.......

 

Right after I got it done last July, we went to wisconsin , with camper and wrangler in tow, 15,600 gw,and it ran at 220 the whole trip and as high as 240 one time, came back and put in the correct radiator, and it helped some.
The replacements from radiator barn and others are just three rows, they suck. Probably ok for non turbo. Anyway I know these run hotter than most but I need to know how much ??
I have been working on detroits and cummins and deeres for years and I have never seen a 192 stat in them!
Just wonder why these IH engines have it. Also I think these trucks may "stall" the air under hood and impede flow when going slower, any thoughts on this??
thanks
russ

 

Like Dave Sponaugle said, the idi engine (any diesel really) runs more efficiently at higher temps. The heat your coolant disapates is just wasted thermal energy. I read an article about someone putting a higher temp tstat in thier powerstroke for better milieage. As long as your egt temps are good and your coolant is under 230-240 i wouldn't worry. I ran an 86 to my brothers cabin in the hills, 20 miles or so with a bad water pump, over heating all the way and it ran fine once it got a new pump Not the best thing to do but it was the best option at the time. T-case failed on the same trip actually... runs fine but I dont know if its moved since last year.
Dave M

 

I put a 180 stat in mine and I sleep fine at night.

 

Where did you get it??

 

I've have a 180 t-stat in my '86 so long I don't even remember how long it's been. I belive it was the factory setup. A few years ago, I installed a RobertShaw high flow t-stat and a 100 GPM water pump. Thanks to a deer, who also messed up a lot of pristine original paint, I ended up with a five-core radiator three years ago. Even stock, and at 18,000 GCVWR in hot weather, my truck has never been as hot as 240.

Typefour, have you verified your temp gauge? When I wrenched for a living, a significant portion of the "running hot" complaints were merely inaccurate gauges. I suggest you verify that before you begind chasing the wild birds all over creation.

Somebody's going to ask where the t-stat, the water pump and the radiator came from. The answer is, I don't remember! I'm pretty sure the t-stat came from Auto Zone. I THINK the water pump came from Ford, but it might also have been Northern Auto Parts (online). The radiator... no clue. The body shop installed it courtesy of State Farm insurance. I only found out it was a five core when I changed coolant last year and looked down into the fill (a nice surprise!). Anyway, I located the pump and the t-stat without much trouble, so you guys should be able to as well

 

I have a vdo gauge on temp, I should do the point and shoot but it does sit right at 190 when not pulling. I have a 6.0 intercooler and ac condensor also, so some airflow is blocked but I wouldnt think that much at speed.