Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Thermostat 180 or 190?

[ROADWARRIOR]

My truck came with a 180 tstat. I called Cummins today and they said either will work just fine. What do you guys think? My coolant gauge reads just a bit over the left side hash mark. I wouldn't mind some more heat, but don't want to have to worry when towing.



Opinions welcome,

Dan

 

[BLively]

in my opinion, i would keep the 180. i just put one in mine and i like it a lot!

 

[RustyJC]

The 190 degF thermostat won't cause overheating any more than a 180 degF will since it is fully open around 195 degF. My truck is still running the original 190 degF thermostat and runs a needle width below the 190 mark when running empty and a needle width above the 190 mark when towing - even in ambient temps of 110 degF.



Rusty

 

[Graphic man]

i just did a 190 in mine.



Scott

 

[CHornsby]

I put an 180 in mine, but my original one had given up the ghost and I liked the lower temp. I still have to clean my radiator, but IMO, either will work just fine.

 

[BJMarshall]

Whatever you do, don't use any aftermarket thermostat.

I like the 180 in mine. Even when towing heavy it still runs a needle width below 190. About 2 needles below empty. I was amazed at how much better it did after I cleaned the radiator.

 

[Nate]

I dunno what's in my truck. It normally doesn't hit over 160* or so unless it's hot (over 100*) outside, or if I'm pulling my trailer it will hit 190* going up grades. Maybe I should replace it?

 

[Cummins Pilot]

Its very rare that I tow in the summer. In the winter just about every weekend thru the mountains. I run the 190. But of course I'm in -40f or colder temps a lot of the time. I even block off 1/2 the radiator when towing. I completely block it off when I'm not towing. Sometimes around town I even assist the cab heater by running the Espar.



Run whatever one you want. Neither will hurt it.

 

[Crazy Horse]

Put the 190 in during winter months and the 180 in the summer.



I put the 180 in this summer due to living in SC now and it made a big difference this summer during hot days on the guage. Running hywy speeds w/ the 190 it got up over half way on the guage all the time. I figure with all the VP problems these trucks have with overheated electronics the 180 can only help.



One thing I did do was to clean between the intercooler and the radiator. I couldn't believe how much crap was caked on to the radiator and restricting air flow. That foaming AC condenser cleaner worked real well followed up with high pressure hose.

 

[WestTN]

The 190 will allow less temperature variation during hot weather. The fan clutch doesn't engage until approximately 206 degrees no matter what t'stat is installed. Less temperature swing during operation equals less engine wear.

 

[DavidWhite]

Why not an aftermarket Thermostat? I just picked up a 190 Stant for weekend install.

 

[bmoeller]

in my opinion, i would keep the 180. and i like it a lot!

Same here.

 

[Katmandu]

The water temp in my 98 12 valver barely goes above 140.

With winter coming soon, I'm going to swap in a 190 and hope my heater works better.

 

[Katmandu]

BTW, what should I expect to pay for a Thermostat from my local Dodge Steallership ??

 

[GOTSOOT]

Your engine will wear less when it runs @ 190*without fluctuation.

 

[EKoster]

BTW, what should I expect to pay for a Thermostat from my local Dodge Steallership ??

Got mine through Cummins and it was $66. I think Dodge wanted $50 or so for it, can't remember exactly.

 

[Joe Mc]

Ga-bage!

Why not an aftermarket Thermostat? I just picked up a 190 Stant for weekend install.

Pull the pin throw it hard and run the other way. - MHO

I forget why, I "think" they are mage from inferior products than the stock. Go to Cummins parts house/service center and get the 180* I paid like $19 when I got mine a few years back - I can't see the price going up to $50 or $60 as other mentioned - but I guess anything's possible.

Oh, make sure you install it with the bleeder hole in the upright position so air will bleed out easier when filling the system.

 

[Katmandu]

Go to Cummins parts house/service center and get the 180* I paid like $19 when I got mine a few years back - I can't see the price going up to $50 or $60 as other mentioned.

Where can one buy Cummins parts On-Line ???