Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Thermostat discussion...

[USMCBay]

I just read a thread on some one who siezed their #1 piston due to a bad thermostat.

My thermostat opens at around 175° to 185° is it time to replace??

Two days ago I did a thorough flush with the "strained" dishwashing concoction and that really seemed to do a great job.

Then I removed a small portion of hose between the heater tube and the topside of the block. Attached a cut off garden hose... and pushed the old mixture out. Removed both radiator connections top and bottom and flushed every port that I could. Came back with 50/50. Distilled water and Spec coolant.



Is it the temp that should be tipping me off to whether or not it is time to change.

Houston hot weather, mild winters. What would be a good T-stat

and do some perform better than others?

How much $$... .

 

[gitchesum]

Sounds normal to me. My truck has always run on the cool side. Even after changing T-stats, I rarely see the temps at 190º. THe only time I saw them that high was when I was pullling a trailer through the hill coutry, oh and when my fan clutch went south.



As long as the temps stay in the normal zone I think your safe.

 

[redram]

I have replaced the T-stat with one from Cummins several years ago. Running with stock fan clutch with 146K on it, and Texaco ELC I do not ever see 190 even in Houston traffic and the a/c on recirc max whether running 80 or idling.



Yours sounds normal to me as well.