LX Thermostat Changeout Video *

[Meister]

The local Autozones (called 3 of them) all said that their computers show the Prestone 170 Tstat (pn 983170) has been recalled. They are no longer available. Any idea why? I wonder if it has to do with the fail-open feature. Or maybe it's a regional thing (seeing how it would increase emissions).

That's news to me. Let me check with my closest AutoZone store and see what I can find out.

In the meantime let's hold off on speculation - may well be nothing to it.

[desmo_dude]

In the meantime let's hold off on speculation - may well be nothing to it.

Will do.

[PowerWagon896]

The local Autozones (called 3 of them) all said that their computers show the Prestone 170 Tstat (pn 983170) has been recalled. They are no longer available. Any idea why? I wonder if it has to do with the fail-open feature. Or maybe it's a regional thing (seeing how it would increase emissions).

On a side note, I'm still on the fence as to whether I want to do this mod, due to many warning of premature wear of the motor and eventual loss of compression at these cooler temps... maybe I missed it, but what sort of before/after mileage have LX'ers been reporting with the mod?

Lower coolant temperature levels can lead to accelerated cylinder wall wear. This is generaly negated as coolant temperature near 180*. Low coolant temperatures @ start up probably lead to increased wear due to piston clearances not being normalized. This is one of the reasons most of the wear and tear on an engine occurs in the first few minutes after a cold start. Oil circulation or the lack of it is another factor.

My father in law owns an automotive machine shop. He used to do a lot of work on forklifts for a local Arvin plant. He had a service manual for Perkins industrial engines. This manual had a chart showing cylinder wear associated with coolant temperatures. I can't quote from memory because it has been many years but it showed 180* as the ideal coolant temperature for wearability. Remember, these are industrial engines and as such are subjected to far more severe (stop and go, idling, etc.) operating conditions than the average automobile. Of course emmissions were not a factor, @ least not then. I do remember that coolant temperature under 140* did cause accelerated wear. The point was, use a thermostat to get coolant temperatures up to normal as quickly as possible. The 383-170/983-170 runs @ 176* (minimum) in my Daytona.

Emmission standards call for a higher combustion chamber temperature. That is what killed the air cooled VW Beetle (in the U.S.) in the mid "70"s. It simply could not survive @ the temperature required by emmission standards. It was manufactured (and sold) in Mexico and other countries long after it was discontinued here.

The Ram guys have been running 180* tstats for several years now. I haven't heard any negative reports on the Dodgetalk forum.

[Meister]

As I figured, the term "Recall" in this instance simply means the item is no longer carried, in its original "Prestone 383-170" box, by Autozone.

The finest tstat available for LX Hemis is still available through *any* Autozone. The RobertShaw 383-170 can be quickly called up at any AutoZone parts counter by having the counter man go to their Cross Reference page and type in 383170. It will show up as RobertShaw.


Or by by having the counter man go to their Order page and type in 4127, then selecting the only tstat from the list of 6 or 8 items that pop up. 4127 is what AutoZone designates their special-order-only RobertShaw 176-degree 63.5mm failsafe thermostat.

[desmo_dude]

Thanks for the info!

[quarky42]

Yup, really nice Powerwagon, such a simple 5 minute job a chimp could do it.

Great video! I don't think the chimps at Jiffy Lube could handle this. If they can't put a drain plug back without stripping it or crossthreading it I think they could somehow find a way to screw up the hose clamps. I'm sure there are some really smart chimps out there that could do this... just not at JL.

This moment of reality brought to you by the fine folks that perform oil changes day in and day out and still managed to be inexperienced enough to screw up the oil pan of the last car I ever took to them.

[crhemi]

Bump for those that missed it.

[PowerWagon896]

Bump for those that missed it.

Funny thing is, I think this video/thread would get far more exposure if it was NOT in the knowledge base.

I have never receive a single bean for this thread, it's like it fell into a crack or something.

[PowerWagon896]

Wow! lots of beans rollin' in now!

Thanks everyone.

[RandomAccess]

As if you weren't fishing for beans. LOL

[PowerWagon896]

As if you weren't fishing for beans. LOL

Not really.

It was just kind of strange that I have gotten beans for far less deserving posts.

I think that the Knowledge Base tends to bury threads.

[YOUNG_G]

I just got a 180 Jet Chip Tstat.....and want to install it and have limited.....tools...what modifications would i have to do if it dosent fit correctly, and what tools would i need to mod. it......?

[Meister]

I just got a 180 Jet Chip Tstat.....and want to install it and have limited.....tools...what modifications would i have to do if it dosent fit correctly, and what tools would i need to mod. it......?

See post #1 here: Alternate thermostats for the LX Hemis

It'll tell you all you need to know, especially so now that you've seen this excellent video.

[Johnny Vig]

Bump for a great instuctional video. Hats off the Meister and PowerWagon. I feel real good about finally doing this. 60 degrees here in Jersey in January has me thinking it isn't too late into the winter to do the mod.

Meister and gang, I assume I will be ok with the robert shaw 383170 and not get any codes? Being in the northeast I am worried it might be too low and that a 180 would be a better option. Seeing all the good info as well as the easy fit with the robert shaw 383170- I am reluctant to try any others.

[BOCKO 10]

I'll be doing it this weekend, thanks guys.