So a few months ago the original thermo failed, temp skyrocketed, and all coolant was lost. I was forced to replace it in the parking lot of an Autozone. I was grateful that they were able to get me a thermostat the same day, and so far I haven't overheated. I had read about upgrading to the 180º stat, but I curiously looked up the version I got through Autozone and it's labeled as a 180º stat in multiple places. In fact, it' the only thermo you can get through Autozone for these trucks.

https://www.autozone.com/cooling-hea...603_1632_93207

I thought I was made in the shade but I keep reading that it's imperative to swap for the Genuine version.

Is it really worth breaking open the system and bleeding again to change from one 180º thermo to another? I've heard that even the genuine ones can be bum out of the box.

Right now my idle temps are hovering around 200º, per my OBD Fusion reader.

 

I got the 180 from Lucky8 and had zero issues. My idle temp with AC on in 90 degree weather hovers at 190 - 194. At speed and under load 184 - 190

It has been suggested before, toss the T stat into a pot of water with a temp gauge and see what temp it opens at.

 

200 would tend to make me believe it is an OEM 194 style, my idle is around 194 with 180. But what are your driving temps like, idle can be a bit deceiving as duration temp when stopped etc all play in.

 

Around town/city driving is usually around 194/195. Highway is about the same, sometimes as low at 188. After a long highway run, idle can get to 204... I do think there is still a bit of air in the system, though...trying my best to get rid of the gurgling waterfall sound. It's so very faint right now but not gone! But yea, would love to never see 200º again, though from what I've read that's really not too bad?

 

Yea those temps sound much better to me. It's funny, I recently swapped the water pump and I did indeed throw the thermostat in the boiler just to double-check it was working. It opened up for sure but I didn't measure the water temp! So dumb.

 

Bleeding may help but, I doubt you will see any real change in your current temps. On a side note, because of your location I would say you might like the hotter temp in the winter time. I am actually concerned that my truck will not keep me warm in the cabin now.

 

I can confirm that my heater blows VERY hot once it's up to speed.

 

I'm also curious why Atlantic British sells this warm temp thermostat, that isn't a Genuine version. I"m guessing this is identical to what I have installed? Same/similar price... Why would they not have the Genuine 180º stat? Seems odd.

https://www.roverparts.com/Parts/PEL500110

 

 

Right, but that means mine is technically still a 180º spec? Although I am very suspicious, in traffic I turned on the a/c about half-blasting and the temp went up to 210 for a minute... not great. I guess I'll just stop guessing and get either the Britpart or Genuine stat...

While we're talking about this, there are two thing I've done recently that have me thinking:
Is there any way that adding about 3/4 bottle of MMO to the crankcase would bring temps up?
Also, after I did the water pump and bled I put in about a bottle of Water Wetter but it didn't seem to have any effect at all. Any similar experiences?