Thermostat question

[Mopardragster]

The thermostat in my truck is cycling from one. Temp to another. Anywhere from 180 to 210, and it even climbed to 220 this morning. I think it is sticking. I called the parts house and a Stant is like $6.00. Then I called Cummins Atlantic and an OE one is like $49.00. Why such a discrepancy in price and which should I buy? Thanks in advance.

[Tacoclaw]

How many miles are on your truck?

If you want it to last that many miles again I'd buy the $50 one, if you want to replace it every couple years(no big deal, but still), I'd buy the $6.00 one.

[cmann250]

I thought I had a bad thermostat a while ago and it ended up that I was low on coolant. I'd check that first. If the thermostat proves to be bad, go with the Cummns one. I have heard of several people having problems with other brands

[Mopardragster]

Thanks guys. I checked the coolant level and it was fine. I think I will go ahead and order the Cummins one. I am new to diesels and have a lot to learn I guess.

[Tacoclaw]

I'm not kicking on you, just letting you know.

On something that simple that has that important of a function, I'm willing to throw down the extra cash. I did happen to find that Carquest sells a Victor Reinz manifold gasket that's made in America and costs $20 less than the Cummins one's I've bought twice, but on any gasket that touches oil or coolant, I'm going to pay for the Cummins piece.

[Mopardragster]

I know you aren't. Like I said, the diesel thing is new to me. Now big block and small block Mopars are something altogether different.

I'm not kicking on you, just letting you know.

On something that simple that has that important of a function, I'm willing to throw down the extra cash. I did happen to find that Carquest sells a Victor Reinz manifold gasket that's made in America and costs $20 less than the Cummins one's I've bought twice, but on any gasket that touches oil or coolant, I'm going to pay for the Cummins piece.

[Deathrod]

I'd look around...I just bought a new cummins one with the rubber o ring seal for $35. But I work near the port of LA so diesel parts are ubiquitous.

[nolafishr]

I just ordered me a new thermostat and other parts from Genos, I plan to do a flush and refill on my 93 with the new thermostat, have new radiator hoses also.

[Mopardragster]

I ended up picking one up off of eBay new in the box for $25 shipped.

[Diesel]

Also make sure you get all the air out of it when you are done. I had the same problem you do and my issue was simply some air. You'll know you have all the air out when the temp gauge comes up steady and doesn't have abnormal swings. The best way to get the air out is to park it with the nose up on ramps and run it will filling her (cold obviously/do not remove a hot cap). Then put the cap on and fill the overflow, let it run a bit then take a spin. Oh and squeezing the top hose while filling is important in removing air. I am guessing because our engines are so long that air has a really long way to go to work out of the block.

[cougar]

My last (emphasis on last) one I got from Dodge. The next one will come from Cummins.