Thermostat Question
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 258
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From: NorCal
Thermostat Question
Hello Fellow Power Strokers,
My name is Patrick and I am new to this forum. I have read it since I got my truck about 6 months ago, but this is my first post. I noticed a small coolant leak coming from my thermostat housing on my 02 F250 with 120k. I need to get it fixed before my trip to Vegas this weekend. I wanted to switch mine to a 203* one, but I am not sure of the correct part number. I have read that the international 203* thermostat is short bodied and does let the coolent flow correctly. This can cause overheating in the back two cylinders. I have also read that the stock housing is a POS. I am looking to find the correct parts locally so I can get this job done soon.
Signature: 2002 F250 CC SB 4x4 Black and Silver Paint. All Stock except for a MBRP 4" exhaust and a Napa Tymer Intake. Coming Soon: Gauges and a DP Tuner
My name is Patrick and I am new to this forum. I have read it since I got my truck about 6 months ago, but this is my first post. I noticed a small coolant leak coming from my thermostat housing on my 02 F250 with 120k. I need to get it fixed before my trip to Vegas this weekend. I wanted to switch mine to a 203* one, but I am not sure of the correct part number. I have read that the international 203* thermostat is short bodied and does let the coolent flow correctly. This can cause overheating in the back two cylinders. I have also read that the stock housing is a POS. I am looking to find the correct parts locally so I can get this job done soon.
Signature: 2002 F250 CC SB 4x4 Black and Silver Paint. All Stock except for a MBRP 4" exhaust and a Napa Tymer Intake. Coming Soon: Gauges and a DP Tuner
Last edited by ebbnflow; Feb 21, 2007 at 05:03 PM. Reason: Cannot Post SIgnature
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14,582
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From: 21791
Hey welcome to the forum, and congrats on getting that first post out of the way. The problem with what you want, is that you want it done locally. Unless Dieselsite's HQ is right in your vicinity, i find this hard to do. If you want to do it RIGHT the FIRST time, go to dieselsite.com, and buy the billet thermostat housing which will not warp and leak like the stock one. Buy the 203* thermostat while you are there and get it done. Can you stand the leak for a few days? I dont know where else you will find a billet thermostat, unless you want a stock one.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14,582
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From: 21791
Stock thermostat is termed a "195*" one. With it and functioning properly, it does not get to the proper oil temperature, it always runs cool. The IH trucks are spec'd with a 203* thermostat. However you cannot use a IH thermostat because the Water pump is different i suspect, and it will not fit. So they made a 203* thermostat to fit our trucks. You don't really notice a difference but if you are changing it out you might as well do it, kind of deal.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,288
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From: North of Greenville
Kris, I think I know the answer to this question, but I want to make sure I don't assume anything erronious here.
What are the benefits of only another 8°F on the oil temperature? Is it slightly thinner running oil, thereby reducing the effective load on the HPOP and at the same time letting the engine parts move a little more freely? Or is it something else?
What are the benefits of only another 8°F on the oil temperature? Is it slightly thinner running oil, thereby reducing the effective load on the HPOP and at the same time letting the engine parts move a little more freely? Or is it something else?
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: west MI
http://www.dieselsite.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=186
For an explanation of the 203* thermostat.
also get a billet housing , it will not rust out like the stock one
For an explanation of the 203* thermostat.
also get a billet housing , it will not rust out like the stock one
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 258
Likes: 5
From: NorCal
Thanks for the info. I'm going to Las Vegas this weekend. It is a 700 mile drive one way. I want to get this worked out before then. I might see if I can overnight it from dieselsite.
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Thanks guys. I had been wondering about this one as I've heard rumors of some possible problems down the road. Once again FTE to the rescue.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Kodiak AK
Thanks for pointing me in that direction. I think I am going to order the Ats housing, 203 stat with aluminum housing. I just wish they still had the aluminum housing in a different color than black.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Cincy OH
Just some advise. Save yourself some headache, and put a very THIN bead/seal of permatex "Right Stuff" RTV around therm housing base before you install. I tried 5 TIMES to keep things from leaking w/ the 203 and billet housing. 3 new o rings, new bolts etc, etc. Finally been leak free for a year+ w/ the RTV! I would recommend saving A LOT of hassle by sealing it right the first time. Good luck!
