Replace thermostat while replacing upper radiator hose?

[humdogj]

I have a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL, 3.6. I found that I have a leak in my upper radiator hose. I plan on replacing that but I guess my question is should I replace the thermostat also.?

Over the past winter, I live in Wisconsin, I would notice that my heater would go cold on me, so I had to add antifreeze. It seemed to work, but if the antifreeze was low, it would blow cold air, like usuaI’m just wondering if that leak is contributing
more to that than a faulty thermostat.

One more thing, my AC isn’t working anymore and it would just give me that high blower whine sound when using it, so I don’t use it anymore. Would the leaky upper radiator hose contribute to this, or would the thermostat play more of a role, or do I need to look elsewhere to figure out what’s going on with my AC? Heading into the winter month so it shouldn’t be a problem for the next nine months or so. Lol.

Thanks in advance for any advice

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[Old Dogger]

Your heater problem is because you have air in the cooling system. This was caused by the radiator hose leak. Just put a new hose on it and refill the coolant with MOPAR OAT 50/50 mix.
Your A/C problem is not related to your coolant leak. When needed, you need get it diagnosed.

 

[roaniecowpony]

If I were draining the system to install a hose, I'd consider the miles and years on the vehicle and change hoses accordingly as well as consider flushing the system. Thermostat should be changed about the time you need to flush it or change the coolant.

 

[humdogj]

Your heater problem is because you have air in the cooling system. This was caused by the radiator hose leak. Just put a new hose on it and refill the coolant with MOPAR OAT 50/50 mix.
Your A/C problem is not related to your coolant leak. When needed, you need get it diagnosed.

Thanks for the info. Now I’ve put a new hose on and everything seems fine, but I’m low on coolant, and it’s Sunday in Wisconsin, so all dealerships are closed. Is there an alternative coolant you can suggest to top up my reservoir? There’s some in there but it’s low.

 

[Old Dogger]

I wouldn't use anything other than MOPAR OAT 50/50 MIX. Distilled water can be use, but not in a large quantity. Because it will affect your freeze and boil-over protection.

 

[roaniecowpony]

ANY OAT COOLANT IS PERFECTLY COMPATIBLE. OAT IS OAT. MOPAR DOESN'T HAVE A UNIQUE COOLANT. VIRTUALLY EVERY AUTOPARTS STORE IN AMERICA WILL HAVE OAT COOLANT

 

[c20040215]

I changed mine earlier this year when I drained the radiator at 6.5 years, 80,000 miles. Agreed with the previous posts, by the time for you to replace coolant, it is due for a new one, even if it's not giving you any issue. It's a easy " while I am in there, might as well" thing.

 

[mwilk012]

Do not use anything other than an OEM thermostat. The MOTORAD brand is especially prone to sticking shut. Very poor quality.

 

[roaniecowpony]

Do not use anything other than an OEM thermostat. The MOTORAD brand is especially prone to sticking shut. Very poor quality.

Interesting. I was trying to find out who the supplier to Mopar is and ran across this.
Anyone know who provides Mopar thermostat? | Jeep Wrangler TJ Forum

 

[JEEP4U]

I installed RIPP's 180 degree thermostat......Is has been working great, paired with my Livernois tune........... running between 185-195, depending on outside temp and load.

 

[mwilk012]

Interesting. I was trying to find out who the supplier to Mopar is and ran across this.
Anyone know who provides Mopar thermostat? | Jeep Wrangler TJ Forum

OEM is Mahle. Absolutely not MOTORAD.

 

[mwilk012]

I installed RIPP's 180 degree thermostat......Is has been working great, paired with my Livernois tune........... running between 185-195, depending on outside temp and load.

Thermostat opening set point has no effect on peak temperature during normal operation. Given that a low temp thermostat will cause nothing but a check engine light without a programmer, there is no place for it.

 

[JEEP4U]

Thermostat opening set point has no effect on peak temperature during normal operation. Given that a low temp thermostat will cause nothing but a check engine light without a programmer, there is no place for it.

You are wrong......The Livernois tune now has an option that takes account for the 180 degree thermostat and updates the cooling fan control.......no codes.....But, lower operating temp and under hood temps.

 

[mwilk012]

You are wrong......The Livernois tune now has an option that takes account for the 180 degree thermostat and updates the cooling fan control.......no codes.....But, lower operating temp and under hood temps.

“without a programmer”

 

[ForestRanger]

Do not use anything other than an OEM thermostat. The MOTORAD brand is especially prone to sticking shut. Very poor quality.

Would you suggest staying with the OEM plastic thermostat housing or changing to aluminum?

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