Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Clarification on $55 T Stat

[hammersley]

Ok - OK - there is a $55 dollar T Stat. I thought you guys were getting taken to the cleaners but Lane the Parts Manager at Cummins Northwest here in Portland was great and told me that sure enough the Cummins original number had been superceded. Originaly the 180 degree T Stat was #3954194 and sold for $16. 88! Now the new one costs 55. 34 (part no. 3946849). I asked him what had changed and he wasn't sure so he went back and opened one up and said that this one was made out of copper and not coated. He wasn't sure what temp it was bacause it wasn't marked. He is getting some of the less expensive ones in and will let me know when that happens. My Question - Does Anybody Know what is happening here???????? I've had some issues with heat and maybe I need to cough up the Big Bucks - HELP?????