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Getting ready to change my fluid and wonder what everyone thinks on this. I come from a school of if it ain't broke don't fix it, but I would hate to have it fail at the wrong time especially if the wife is driving.
But I say, unless you are pulling the hoses and more, leave it alone.
I was thinking the same thing.
There is almost 100K on the truck and so soon it will be time to change the radiator hoses, at which time a "preventive maintenance" change of the T-stat would also be warranted.
I have no idea what the 3.0's configuration is like, but I would say dont change it unless you have plenty of room to clean the thermostat housing off properly. I mean better than with a screwdriver too. Otherwise you will get it off, put the new one in, then it will leak, and it will be a problem later. So if your going to do it, I would make sure you remove everything in your way so you can do it right.
This is a loaded question a lot of the aftermarket T-stats are junk. so Unless there is a problem with the one that is in there I would leave it alone. The only T-stat I will use on my Fords is a Motorcraft. I have had way to many aftermarket Big box store stats that I can watch them open and close via the gauge and allowing an engine to heat way up and then suddenly cool it off (surging) is hard on metal parts.
azu, I noticed that you live in PA. You get winter there, no? I've gotten into the habit of switching between 185(summer) and 195(winter) thermostats for years. Regular spring and fall maintenance list. If you had no prob with the stat, then clean it, wrap it in handywrap and save it for the next season. Buy a new gasket everytime. It's worth it. The truck will run better and you'll have peace of mind, and you'll flush the system while your at it I'm sure. For a joke, buy a new stat evey couple of years, they're cheap.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.