Thermostat
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
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Thermostat
Has anyone had trouble removing the three small flanged bolts that hold the thermostat? Mine have never been touched from new (1994). My local garage didn't want to do it for fear of breaking them. I wanted them to install a hotter thermostat (205 deg) but they effectively said the existing one (stock 192) is good enough.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Kearney, Nebr
The PSD runs better with a 203 stat in it. I replaced mine a couple months ago and had some problems. I broke the the head off of one bolt. I just drilled out the bolt, tapped and dyed another bolt to fit.
About a month after I did that my waterpump went up and I got the original housing back.
The 203 stat can only be found here for our trucks. The ones you buy at the parts house are not the correct ones.
DIESELSITE 203* Thermostat
About a month after I did that my waterpump went up and I got the original housing back.
The 203 stat can only be found here for our trucks. The ones you buy at the parts house are not the correct ones.
DIESELSITE 203* Thermostat
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 522
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From: Albuquerque
Farm is 100% right on the bolts. I too snapped a bolt on the t-stat flange, but it was due to torqing them too many times. If you re-use the ones that are in there, make sure that you get a good bead of RTS on the neck and seal it right the first time, then you wont have to worry about redoing it.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: elizabeth,co
The PSD runs better with a 203 stat in it. I replaced mine a couple months ago and had some problems. I broke the the head off of one bolt. I just drilled out the bolt, tapped and dyed another bolt to fit.
About a month after I did that my waterpump went up and I got the original housing back.
The 203 stat can only be found here for our trucks. The ones you buy at the parts house are not the correct ones.
DIESELSITE 203* Thermostat
About a month after I did that my waterpump went up and I got the original housing back.
The 203 stat can only be found here for our trucks. The ones you buy at the parts house are not the correct ones.
DIESELSITE 203* Thermostat
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,764
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From: CentralEastern Utah
Your right, 94 and 95's came stock with a 205* stat. Its only a upgrade for the 96 and 97's to get a 203* stat from diesel site.
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Senior User
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Thermostat
I got my thermostat from NAPA. They said it was for a '95. But it sounds like it's no different to what I've already got. The part no. is 371-203 so it might be 203 deg after all. I also went to the local Ford dealer and they said theirs is 192! I'm having trouble staying warm in the winter - even when using grill inserts. The needle on the idiot gauge shows it's operating in the normal range but only just - it barely moves off the pin. I do get heat so the thermo is working. Maybe this is just the nature of the beast. My engine is the earliest PSD. When I bought the truck I paid $500 extra to get the new engine.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
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From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
Yes you have the right stat for your truck. Ford has now changed all their stats to a 192. thats too cold! you want the 203 in there. Bolts might break and they might not. But if they ahve never been off then that means your water pump has never been changed either. How many miles on the truck?
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Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,207
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From: Kearney, Nebr
Remember those stock gauges are basically idoit lights. Also, check of the condition of your thermostat neck. Sometimes they get pitted/rusty so I might be a good idea to replace it too.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Rogue River, OR
If you do decide to change the Thermostat spray some "PB Blaster" on the screws. The housing forms a little lip all around the base of the housing and fill it up and let the screws soak for a couple of days.
Use a 6pt. socket and use steady constant pressure on the screws until they break free. They will sound like a gun shot. It's important to keep the socket, extension and breaker bar STRAIGHT.
Use a big breaker bar. (I use 1/4" stuff adapted to 1/2") it's easier to maintain the position and pressure. Use anti seize when replacing them.
Rog
Use a 6pt. socket and use steady constant pressure on the screws until they break free. They will sound like a gun shot. It's important to keep the socket, extension and breaker bar STRAIGHT.
Use a big breaker bar. (I use 1/4" stuff adapted to 1/2") it's easier to maintain the position and pressure. Use anti seize when replacing them.
Rog
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: elizabeth,co
just makin sure in case i have to do it!! thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
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From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
another good tip is to take a long punch or even long extension and put it right on top of the bolt than smack it with a hammer. once or twice. that shocks it a bit and breaks things loose a little. Doesn't always work but helps.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
Likes: 3
From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
if its never been changed chances are its not working. If you are having trouble getting heat in the cab or engine operating hot enough its not working. probably stuck partly open.
I run 200 degrees no matter how cold it is unless I am idling.
I run 200 degrees no matter how cold it is unless I am idling.
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