Why this thermostat?

Although International still uses a 203º thermostat that is available at most auto parts stores, this is the wrong part for the 1996 - 2003 Powerstroke. Do Not Use This! It has a shorter shaft and will not shut off the internal pump bypass. This will cause inaccurate coolant flow direction through the engine. The thermostat in the Powerstroke not only controls operating temperatures, but properly directs the flow of coolant through the engine. As the thermostat opens, it proportionally closes the bypass. With the thermostat fully open, the bypass is fully closed, and vice versa. With the International (Pre-96 Ford) thermostat, this cannot be controlled properly because of the shorter bypass stem. The shorter stem of the IH(pre-96 Ford) thermostat allows the thermostat to be fully open while the bypass is fully open. This means the coolant can travel in any direction available -- whatever direction it chooses. It can either travel thru the radiator or simply make the shorter, less restrictive path back thru the front of the engine. This will cause uncontrolled overheating, with absolutely no signs of danger showing on the thermometer in the cab. It is possible that the back of the engine can have no coolant flow at all yet the thermometer in the outlet of the water pump shows all to be normal. This 203º thermostat is designed to eliminate these problems!

Here's a little more background on the subject...

Until 1996, all 7.3L Powerstrokes that were manufactured used the International thermostat and water pump. In 1996, Ford changed water pumps and therefore changed the design needs of the thermostat. Because of this, all 1996-2003 Ford PSDs use 195º thermostats. However, diesels run most efficiently at approximately 200º. A 195º thermostat will start to open at approximately 165-170. The Powerstroke has such an efficient cooling system, that this low flow when the thermostat is slightly open is normally enough to keep the engine cool. The downfall to this is that the engine never reaches its optimal operating temperature. This 203º thermostat begins to open at 185º. This brings the operating temps up from about 170º to about 185º . This is closer to the operating temperature range that is preferable in our trucks for optimal efficiency. As well, when our trucks are under load and are producing higher combustion temperatures the 203º will allow the engine to run even closer to its optimal operating temperature. The end result should be slightly better fuel economy, less smoke, and maybe an extra "horse" or two as well.

Each 203º Thermostat comes with a new o-ring. The manufacturer recommends a new thermostat housing when installing a new thermostat if your vehicle is over a year old. Many are simply rusted too bad to properly seal.

Warranty Information: * 90 day on manufacturing defects and workmanship only. * There are no other warranties, written or implied. * As with all cooling system modifications, a water temperaure gauge is a highly important tool in monitoring the system. * Improperly or poorly maintained systems can lead to failures in thermostats.

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