Exact same process (and choice of thermostat actuating temps) for a 1998 Durango with a 5.9L. I went with the 180 because I found no less than three message boards with at least 90% of the techs saying that was the best choice, high enough to not trigger the code and still keep the engine running well. Most people said being just a bit lower than OEM has some benefits for the engine. Hopefully I don't regret the choice. It took me about 2 minutes to remove the old one, and way over an hour to get the new one in.. fishing those bolts in there (while still trying to keep the new gasket lined up) was a real pain. I've read multiple accounts of the 160 triggering the code but not the 180. For what it's worth, when I pulled mine out it was clearly stuck open so that was why my code was popping up. I ended up using a tiny bit of very mild adhesive which shouldn't hurt the gasket and I figure will just burn off to hold the gasket to the housing, and a 1/2" magnetic nutsetter with an extension and a screwdriver with a 1/4" drive for excellent control over the bolt. Once I came up with that idea it was a breeze. I tried to use some liquid water pump/thermostat gasket to hold it in place but the only tube I had on hand was dried up and it was 1am. I know it sounds pretty ridiculous, but I used a little bit of an Elmer glue stick. It's non-toxic, non-acidic, heck kids eat the stuff, so I figure a tiny bit wouldn't damage the gasket. I was at my wit's end. I also like to detach the upper radiator hose from the radiator once I have everything back together, and fill it with coolant. Then shove it back onto the radiator losing as little coolant as possible. This seems to make it a bit easier to "burp" the air out of the upper radiator hose, which can cause the system to not work properly. I continue to burp the hose and top off the radiator at the cap until it remains full. You can get a set of magnetic nutsetters (generally used on your drill/driver) at Harbor Freight for about $5, definitely a good set of items to have around. Each set includes nine sizes, from 1/4" to 1/2" SAE and 5-12mm metric. I did appliance installation and repair for about ten years and used those sets every day, but I've come across some other good uses for them like this over the years! If you use them *every day* over and over again professionally the magnetic parts will fall out after a couple of months, but I'd recommend any do-it-yourself person to pick up a set. They're also about 1/8 the price of the ones you'd find at Home Depot or Lowe's, and you get twice as many in a set. You'd be surprised how often they come in handy!

Excellent video! I like the fact that you got right to the thermostat replacement. Well done!

Nice video! You stick to the topic and communicate the repair process very well.

I have the same model truck with same engine. I had this same exact issue with the thermostat that I placed in mine and changed it out with a hotter thermostat, it resolved the issue. Great video

Very informative, got right to the point. Good work

Excellent video thank you so much

Your video helped thank you !

very good video thanks

the best vide ever !

I can not get mine to stop leaking out of the back where the housing meets the thermostat. I have tried multiple thermostats including the one that was in there before. It is still leaking. I’ve tried gasket maker, paper gaskets, and even replaced the housing. Thoughts?? Badly need to figure this out. I cleaned everything thoroughly also.

i just changed my tstat in my 5.9 the problem now is that my rpms wont come down passed 1.5 i do the three turn trick and it fixes the rpm problem but throws the 1281 code again and temp wont go passed 140 if anyone know the answer it would GREATLY appreciated!!!

look on the thermostat the degree is stamped on it

Did you use a sealant cure for the housing? Just wanna be sure because I was about to replace it without it

Where does that black tube from the coolant reservoir go? I have the same truck, on my reservoir there is just an empty hole where yours has the second cap hose. I have always wondered what it was for

hey what kind of coolant did you use because I am getting the same code and I figured I can do it myself because me and you have the same truck

How many quarts of coolant you use

Will a bad thermostat cause your vehicle not to start?

$4. ? I paid $12.