Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) thermostat

[Tractorat]

Im going to change my coolant sometime in the next few weeks and will probably replace the thermostat as well. Can anyone tell me if the stat that dodge sells is the cummins stat or not ?

Thanks

 

[AH64ID]

It most likely is a much higher price.

 

[Tractorat]

Im sure it would cost more. But there is a dodge dealer only a few miles away and not too much traffic. To get to cummins its about 30 miles thru some of the worst traffic in the US.

 

[BigPapa]

Order one here:

http://www.mumaudiesel.com/

Ask for Snedge.

 

[BigPapa]

Order one here:

http://www.mumaudiesel.com/

Ask for Snedge.

Just in case you tried to call Mumau last week, they were closed for vacation. Back open tomorrow morning, 8-17-15.

 

[KATOOM]

The Cummins thermostat is best but is going to run around $100. The NAPA version is second best and will run around $25. You just have to make sure you're getting the correct one as its more common than not for people to try and install the wrong thermostat. It has to have a rubber seal around the flange and two little "jiggle pins" on either side of the flange. The Cummins one will be apparently larger and not as flimsy as others too. And it must be 190*. Dont get a 180* if they offer it because thats for the 12 valve and its too cold for the 24 valve. And they may even offer a 200* but thats been proven to be too hot for towing. Lastly, you'll quickly find that cheapo thermostats will allow the engine to fluctuate in temperature by climbing to 195* and falling back down to as low as 180*, then back up again, over and over. Because of how common this is, some call this fluctuation "normal" but its not as its only a result of a weak thermostat not capable of maintaining a solid temperature.

 

[BIGNASTY]

I've changed coolant, thermostat, twice and have used Stant one in 190* and one in 180* so slight was the difference it wasn't worth the worry (because I didn't worry) pulled heavy and long ( but not as heavy and long ) as the super mini trucker and HAVE YET TO HAVE ANY PROBLEMS

Truth be known there is probably only 3 companies that have the Chinese make them, and just stamp a different name on the box & part

 

[AH64ID]

I've changed coolant, thermostat, twice and have used Stant one in 190* and one in 180* so slight was the difference it wasn't worth the worry (because I didn't worry) pulled heavy and long ( but not as heavy and long ) as the super mini trucker and HAVE YET TO HAVE ANY PROBLEMS

Truth be known there is probably only 3 companies that have the Chinese make them, and just stamp a different name on the box & part

On these engines with electronically controlled fans (03+) it is not a good idea to run a cooler, or warmer, thermostat than the OEM thermostat. The fan is programmed around coolant temp and with a 180° thermostat you don't get fan operation until you are above the max allowable temp for that thermostat which is 212°.

 

[BIGNASTY]

On these engines with electronically controlled fans (03+) it is not a good idea to run a cooler, or warmer, thermostat than the OEM thermostat. The fan is programmed around coolant temp and with a 180° thermostat you don't get fan operation until you are above the max allowable temp for that thermostat which is 212°.

Not going to doubt what you say, but have yet to see my temp gauge get over 200 pulling a grade with a load (im sure not as heavy as super mini trucker) but maybe mine is as different as the guys that get INCREDIBLE FUEL MILAGE only my temps don't go high?

 

[AH64ID]

Not going to doubt what you say, but have yet to see my temp gauge get over 200 pulling a grade with a load (im sure not as heavy as super mini trucker) but maybe mine is as different as the guys that get INCREDIBLE FUEL MILAGE only my temps don't go high?

It all depends on the load. The 180's crack at 180° but don't go full open until 198°, so 212° would have to be really working it which many people don't do it just the fact that if you get to fan operation (215°) you are too hot for that thermostat.