180 degree thermostat

Does anyone know where to get a 180 degree thermostat for a 2003 Durango R/T??? The local part stores don't carry any thermostats and Summit Racing, JEGs, etc do not have one either.

did you checked the dealer, or check carquest.com

What? Your Durango should have one in it already. If it's busted then your dealer must carry it. Just ask for a thermostat for your Durango, I bet they even have it in stock. A 180 degree thermostat is normal for that vehicle.

Standard for the R/T is 195 degrees... in fact, almost all vehicles run 195 degress in order to meet federal emissions standards.

Turns out NAPA carries a 180 degree thermostat and I'm on my way to get one. Thanks.

Must be a states thing. Every vehicle I've ever seen here has a 180 degree thermostat in it.

Good to hear that you found one.

What advantages you get by dropping the stat 15 degrees?

Little bit better fuel economy, extended antifreeze life, it's a little bit easier on everything overall.

Will it affect emissions? Someone mentioned about that. I would love to run cooler, but hate to fight the state inspector if I barely pass inspection! Texas Inspections are very strict on the emissions control.

It shouldn't matter because they test when the engine is cold anyway don't they? An engine makes most emissions when it's cold.

A lower temp thermostat will increase emissions...exactly how much, I'm not sure. It's not that you get better combustion with the higher temp, but the cat works better with hotter exhaust gases. A cooler engine temp will prevent early detonation and overall less wear and tear on the engine components. You can always install a 180 degree thermostat and get your car inspected. Worst case is that you fail and have to reinstall a 195 degree thermostat and test again.

What? Your Durango should have one in it already. If it's busted then your dealer must carry it. Just ask for a thermostat for your Durango, I bet they even have it in stock. A 180 degree thermostat is normal for that vehicle.

I have a 98 D SLT and may need a new thermostat. Is is hard to replace if done yourself? What type is right for a 98 D SLT??

Replacing the thermostat is a very easy DIY.
Dave

Replacing the thermostat is a very easy DIY.
Dave

Where is the thermostat located for the replacement on a 98 Durango. Id like to get this replaced soon and how long would it take?? ...any tools needed?

It's usually in the goosneck fitting where the hose goes from the engine to the top of the radiator. No special tools needed.
Dave

You have to drain enough coolant to lower the level below the gooseneck fitting, otherwise it'll just spill out when you disconnect the hose and unbolt the gooseneck. Just drain it into a bucket and reuse it when you've finished the job. When you pour it back into the system, strain it through a clean rag to trap any debris.
Dave

[QUOTE=DurangoDave]Replacing the thermostat is a very easy DIY.
Dave[/QUOTE

Replaced my thermostat and still the gadge is where it was before the service. There seems to be more heat. Dont know whats wrong... coolant changed & new, new thermostat. hmmmm...

Code3
I went back and read the posts in this string, and found that you didn't tell us what exactly your problem was, other than to say you thought you needed a thermostat. Then the discussion went to talking about how to replace it.
I assume you did not have adequate heat, and now that you've replaced the stat and changed the coolant, you still don't have adequate heat.
Keep in mind that these things are sometimes hard to diagnose in person, let alone over the internet, and that most of the time it's a process of trial and error and elimination, and that usually there are a number of possible causes.
Having said that, here are my thoughts.
The earlier discussion in the posts has conflicting information about whether the stat should be 180F or 195F. If you had inadequate heat, I would suggest you use the 195F.
If you used 180F for the replacement, try putting some cardboard in front of the radiator to block about 75% of the airflow and see if that gets you adequate heat. If so, change to the 195F stat.

If the cardboard doesn't help, or if you already used the 195F stat as the replacement, you've got to start looking elsewhere. Possibilities include plugged hoses or heater core (which means you start by flushing the coolant entirely...maybe you already did that). Other possibilities are that the fan is not running or running at low speed. Another possibility is improper damper positioning in the controls...could be bad wires, etc. Another possibility is bad gasket/seals around the damper. Of course, there's always the possibility of leaves or critter nests in the ductwork.....

(Oh, and by the way, your post simply says "still the gauge is where it was before the service". Maybe the gauge is bad or the water temperature sensor that 'feeds' the gauge is bad).

I think you get the idea. You need to go through and check all these types of things.
Good luck
Dave

Would you know where the sensor is located and could I change it out?? ...or should the dealership service it??