Thermostat Question

[DMaddox]

Think I'm gonna try to change the thermostat in the truck. Looks pretty straight forward, even for a non-mechanic/accountant type like me Any suggestions, special tricks, thoughts, advise? In case it doesn't come up on my signature, I have a 2006, 5. 9L, 2500. Thnx.

 

[RHestand]

Why are you changing it?

 

[DonFitzwater]

I suppose it is almost three years old?

 

[snuff]

is it broke?

 

[MickeyMiller]

I changed mine at 100K, just a precaution. Kept the original as a spare. BTW, these thermostats are a little pricey as thermostats go, around $30 at Cummins, and they were surprising heavy little suckers! Changing it out is a no brainer, remove 2 bolts, remove/replace, replace 2 bolts. 5 minutes tops!

 

[jelag]

If you've kept good anti-freeze and distilled water in the cooling system, don't bother...

We test our coolant annually and don't do a thing... . our 04, now has 300K miles and the coolant is clean..... the thermostat is a simple mechanical device with a bi-metal spring that changes like a house thermostat with temperature.....

 

[CMChristensen]

i changed mine at 50k

 

[DMaddox]

Engine was overheating after driving approx. 7 miles from a cold start. The temp guage would gradually climb to approx. 225 then shoot to 265 (red line. ) During this time no heat at all. At red line i would get a chime and message to "check guages. " I would lift my foot off the accelerator for a couple seconds, coast to the side of the road and then the temp would drop to approx. 190 and my heater begins to work. It would only do this on COLD starts, i. e. , i can go shopping, etc. and get back in the truck and everything was aok, only problem on cold start. I filled up the collant reservoir, didn't work. So i figured it was the thermostat and it was sticking until hit red line then unsticking (I'm not mechanic) so I ASSumed it was the thermostat. At any rate, I decided not to attempt to make the change and left truck at dealer. They called this morning and said there was a leak in a hose to the radiator. they are fixing under warranty ($100 deductible) and we'll see what happens. I'm not sure I understand how a leaking hose has an affect on the engine only when its cold??? I'm feeling pretty confused on this one.