What is the best option for the 6.0 Powerstroke thermostat upgrade? The best option would be an OEM thermostat upgrade to a 6.0 Powerstroke thermostat.
However, there are many different options that you can opt for a thermostat upgrade. Aftermarket thermostats are designed to work better with your engine and will help to keep your engine running cooler.
If you upgrade the best thermostat for the 6.0 Powerstroke engine, you must keep some essential things in mind. However, there are different types of brands available in the market. But remember, if you select a bad one incorrectly, your engine might get damaged.
So, here we will show you the most efficient options along with the process. Keep on reading.
Key Points to 6.0 Powerstroke Thermostat Upgrade
As you know, the thermostat can be a small piece in size, but it has a great responsibility to keep your engine healthy and durable. In short, the thermostat is a vital component that regulates the temperature in a vehicle by controlling the engine at the correct temperature. The thermostat opens and closes to regulate the flow of coolant through the engine.
When it comes to the brands for selecting the best thermostat, there are several brands in the market, such as Navistar, Motorcraft, Stant, and Mishimoto. You can buy any brand from them, but we would select Mishimoto for its outstanding performance in any condition.
After all things, there are a few things to keep in mind while upgrading the thermostat on a 6.0L Powerstroke engine.
First, you must ensure that the new thermostat is compatible with the engine and then install the thermostat according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Finally, check the engine’s coolant level and ensure it is topped off before starting the engine.
Replacement Process of Thermostat on 6.0 Powerstroke
Replacing the thermostat on 6.0 Powerstroke may take nearly 1 hour to complete. You have to go through a few steps, which we will describe in detail in this section. However, the installation process may vary from application to application. Follow all safety precautions and procedures the manufacturer recommends before servicing the vehicle.
There are a few different ways to replace your thermostat, but we’ll walk you through the most straightforward way using just a few simple tools.
A couple of Tools You Need for Replacement
- 3/8” Ratchet
- 5/16” Socket
- Crescent Wrench
- Pry Bar (To take off the intercooler)
- 12mm Socket
- 13mm Socket
- Extension
- First, remove the air filter housing and intake tube from the engine bay (this is done by removing two screws at the front of the housing and disconnecting the intake tube).
- Next, remove the four bolts on the upper radiator hose (two in front and two in back). Now you can pull off both hoses – be careful not to damage them!
- Finally, remove three bolts from around “Thermostat Housing” and take them off.
Installation is the reverse of removal – ensure you don’t overtighten those three bolts, or else you’ll strip them! You should also replace thermal paste while you have everything apart – this will help keep things running cool under high-stress situations.
Here are a few options we would suggest for consideration when upgrading your 6.0 Powerstroke thermostat; it can be tough to decide which is the best option for you. Here is a breakdown of the three most popular choices:
Factory Thermostat: It is the original thermostat that came with your truck. It’s a basic, which is installed in the factory.
Aftermarket Thermostat: It can be helpful if you’re looking for more performance out of your truck or if you live in a hot climate and need to keep temperatures down.
OEM Thermostat: It is an improved version of the factory thermostat, designed to offer better performance and reliability than stock. An OEM replacement may be suitable if you’re looking for an easy way to improve your truck’s cooling system.
How Do I Know if my 6.0 Powerstroke Thermostat is Bad?
If you’re experiencing overheating issues with your 6.0 Powerstroke, the first thing you should do is check your thermostat. A bad thermostat can cause your truck to overheat. Here are a few signs of a bad thermostat.
Sign 1: The first sign of a bad thermostat can be the high-temperature reading that appears on the gauge within 15 mins since the vehicle starts. If you see the same sign, it’s a thermostat problem, which happens when the coolant cannot enter the engine since the thermostat gets stuck closed.
Sign 2: If you are experiencing temperature fluctuations, it’s likely due to a bad thermostat. The thermostat is responsible for regulating the engine’s coolant temperature; if it’s not working properly, the coolant temperature will fluctuate. It can cause the engine to run too hot or too cold, leading to engine damage.
Sign 3: Coolant leaking is another sign of a bad thermostat, and it happens when the engine becomes hot, and the coolant can not flow toward the engine because the thermostat gets stuck closed and blocks the coolant.
As a result, the coolant gets overflowed from the thermostat’s housing. If the problem keeps running in this way, the coolant hoses are the next to leak. If you see the reddish or greenish color of liquid coming out from your vehicle and the surface, then it must have coolant leaking.
Sign 4: You might hear noises like gurgling, knocking, or boiling feels from the radiator and engine. That’s another sign of failing your thermostat. The noises are generally produced because the thermostat is worn out or the valve gets stuck.
So, if you experience such noise from your engine and radiator, you should get your vehicle diagnosed by an expert mechanic as early as possible. Otherwise, it might damage your engine badly.
Sign 5: A bad thermostat can also cause increased fuel consumption. As we know, engine overcooling and overheating issues are responsible for damaging fuel, and this problem happens when the vehicle cannot meet its temperature for operation.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many thermostats does a 6.0 Powerstroke have?
The 6.0 Powerstroke (diesel engine truck) has two thermostats, but it can be different in various vehicles. The first thermostat is located in the front of the engine, behind the water pump. And the second thermostat is situated behind the oil cooler at the back of the engine.
How often should you change the coolant in a 6.0 Powerstroke?
If you have a 6.0 Powerstroke, it is recommended that you change the coolant between 20,000 and 30,000 miles. It will help keep your engine running smoothly and prevent potential problems.
Conclusion
Finally, the 6.0 Powerstroke thermostat upgrade is revealed in the article. For choosing the best thermostat for the 6.0 Powerstroke engine, we have shared some essential guidelines – what things you should keep in mind before purchasing and the signs for finding a bad thermostat.
So, if you are experiencing any bad signs with your thermostat, you can quickly fix the problem by purchasing the best thermostat from the market. Before installing, please follow your truck’s owner manual, or if you cannot install it, ask for help from an expert mechanic.
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Sadeek Matt, “The Human Truckopedia”, has dealt with all types of trucks for 6 years with another 2 years of experience in the automobile industry. He is one of our key team members who solve truck-related problems for Vehicle Bro’s content team to come up with answers to readers’ queries.
He loves scuba diving apart from handling trucks and according to team members, he’s a guy with a great sense of humor who loves living life to the fullest.
