so this morning I stuck my finger in the radiator just to get a feel for how cold it was before I turn it on. I then turned it on and waited for it to get to temp. (200 degree) and felt the upper hose. I didn't feel any coolant surge threw. I let it idle after that for 10 more minutes. Still no coolant, although the upper hose was starting to warm up. I opened the radiator cap and stuck my finger in there (kids don't try this at home) expecting to get kinda burnt, but nothing!!! It was barely luke warm. I'm definitely thinking it's a bad stat. I HOPE, since it is cheap fix.

 

They don't make a 192* Tstat for our engine. You got the wrong one there. Also, did you use RTV and maybe overdo it?

 

They used to make a 192 stat and some websites and parts books still showed them when I checked several years ago. I had one in my 1992 Dakota from the factory. Autozone specs 192 in their books but the part on the shelf was a 195.
The temperature rating is stamped on the bottom.

 

if you opened the radiator cap with no fluid spurting out i would see about it being a pressure issue. after the truck having run up to temp like that, you should have gotten sprayed a little bit with scorching hot fluid lol.

 

I've used a 192 stat for, going on 5 years now. the bottom of the stat is stamped 192, unless I'm dyslexic. Then it would be 129. I used a thin coat of high temp rtv. I'm gonna change the stat right now...again...just to make sure it isn't the stat. I think the temp gauge bouncing around and the lack of pressure problem are related. I guess I'll find out later on. I'll keep you guys posted.

 

4 pages in two days for what appears to be a isolated bad t-stat. Change the stat. No stat opening means pressure problems.

 

I agree with the problem. So how do I solve the pressure issue...since you seem to be holding out. It's been 4 days since I started this thread on the April 3rd. So it's 4 days and 4 pages, not 2 days.

 

Just try a new stat, and then touch back base here if that doesnt work.

 

I changed the stat so I'll have a better idea of what's going on with my rig in the next couple of days. I just didn't care for the way highlander chimed in like were a bunch of dumb ***'s chasing unicorns, that's all. Thanks for all those who helped so far. It's much appreciated.

 

Sorry I was tired of watching people endlessly tell you to do something (change/replace stat because its broken) and you not wanting to listen. I saw a Neon-like long thread coming (still might get there).