Thermostat Install DIY
Excellent write up Eimer! I've copied the DIY and relevant discussion to the 3rd Gen Dakota FAQ Subsection (for anyone unfamiliar with it look at the top of this section) so it will be easy for others to find in the future.
thanks!
Thanks for the info.. I just switched to these! Much better than Autolite!
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 10
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From: detroit
spark plugs and thermostats
I went from Autolite 5224 - Heat range D11
to Autolite 3923 or 3922 I don't recall - Heat range - D11
I hope they are 3922 the same that the HO engine runs. Something tells me I put the 3923 from the 3.7. Crap I know I should have double checked that. All I know it that I do not like them. I will know on Monday when I get to work. If they are the 3923 I will change them out to the 3922 and see if they are any better. If not I will go back to the 5224
5224, 3923 and 3922 are all the same heat range according to the web site.
to Autolite 3923 or 3922 I don't recall - Heat range - D11
I hope they are 3922 the same that the HO engine runs. Something tells me I put the 3923 from the 3.7. Crap I know I should have double checked that. All I know it that I do not like them. I will know on Monday when I get to work. If they are the 3923 I will change them out to the 3922 and see if they are any better. If not I will go back to the 5224
5224, 3923 and 3922 are all the same heat range according to the web site.
I am the tech manager at Autolite. You are going to colder and colder spark plugs heat range wise. Unless you have a blower or turbo or NOS, there is simply no reason to do this. You may even end up with cold fouling on your plugs. There is no advantage to using a colder plug on a unboosted vehicle. your engine efficiency will suffer and again, you may have a situation where it doesnt start on a cold day. Go to www.autolite.com, open the bar for tech info and watch the autolite challenge video on heat range. Same thing on the thermostats, your engine is calibrated to run best with the OE stat from a fuel efficiency and emissions standpoint, going to a colder thermostat will not help with anything.
Record Breaker
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,042
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From: Palm Bay, FL
Fact is even today after all these years Mopars run so much better in cooler weather. Lower T-stats and power wires go to this idea and the 4.7 & 3.7 loves to run in cool weather. I pull my power wire in cold weather and install it when it is going hang around 50 and up.
Any 2000-2004 5.2 or 5.9 engine Dodge Dakota or Durango.
Napa Canada part#
#33508 - 180 economy series
#33008S - 180 premium series
Napa Canada part#
#33508 - 180 economy series
#33008S - 180 premium series
Last edited by Eimer123; Mar 30, 2011 at 12:31 PM.
I am sure the premium is thicker and built with a better spring, and might have a pressure relieve section in it.
Just ask them to order both if they do not have them in stock, and only buy the one you like. The price difference is like 2 bucks between the two.
Still better than the $25usa they want for the 2005 version.