Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 3946849 New Thermo$tat?

[Mad Max]

In preparation for an upcoming roadtrip, I picked up a spare thermostat for the trusty ETH (along with a couple spare bolts). CSP sold me a new number 3946849, which they claim supercedes both the 180' and the 190'. AND COST TWICE AS MUCH.



Well, the thing is definitely built better, the "flange" is o-ring like the older ones, but the manifold side of the body is encased in rubber and the body is obviously designed to flow a great deal more.



Does anyone have experience with this part number?



Thx.



MAX

 

[klenger]

I had this TSB done to mine to fix the noise when towing. It's a differenet t-stat that the number you got.



http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2002/09-008-02.htm

 

[RCook]

I replaced my 180-degree Tstat with Dodge # 5015708AC, per the TSB, after reading Klenger's post a few months ago. It is much better built, cost $30 or so, and SIGNIFICANTLY improved engine sound when pulling a heavy load up a major hill. I had the rattle klenger and the TSB described, and now it's gone. Even though this one seems to be a 190-degree unit, it works fine towing heavy in warm weather. I'm real pleased with it. Makes sense to me that this would supersede the older tstats.