Thermostat and Temp Sensor Questions

[BloodVessel]

2015 High Country 1/2 ton, 6.2l, 85,000 miles.  Noticed temp gauge reading consistently about 190 degs, my geriatric brain remembers it used to run around 210 degs.  So, I'm guessing I need to replace the thermostat?

 

Now the questions: What brand/part# would you suggest?

                                  Should I change the Sensor at the same time?  If so, brand/part# suggestions please.

 

Thanks for any help offered!

[CamGTP]

Just replace the thermostat, the temp sensor is fine.

 

If you can get an OEM thermostat, go that way but some places are hard to find them and they cost a lot.

 

Otherwise my suggestion is Napa, they have a good warranty on their part and it's what I've been running for years now.

[newdude]

OEM I think is still on backorder.  If you can find one, go for it otherwise like CamGTP mentioned Napa is a pretty good choice to go with.  

[BloodVessel]

CamGTP and newdude - Thank you for the fast response!  OEM is hard to find like you said, think I'll order a NAPA.

[mikeyk101]

Just wanted to add that normal operating temps will have dash gauge at 210⁰. But... The actual temp even though gauge reads 210, will be anywhere from 185⁰ to 225⁰. That gauge is very inaccurate. If you are using the dash gauge to tell your coolant temperature, once it moves down from 210, it is already south of 185⁰. So you are probably actually in the 170-180⁰ range instead or lower.

[Grumpy Bear]

Katech 174 Degree Gen 5 LT Thermostat (katechengines.com)

[NE18]

Have the same issue. Actually started acting up after I upgraded the transmission thermostat so I thought it was normal. 

[kickass audio]

Please let me know if i'm in the wrong for doing this but I have a OEM thermostat for the 5.3l. I had bought the OEM engine thermostat when I noticed it was slightly less than the 12 o'clock position and it was on backorder through amazon so I put an aftermarket one in my 2014 Silverado 1500 I had and then the OEM one finally came in the mail through amazon. Of course I sold the truck just after the parts came so I have some extra parts from it for maintenance. Let me know if you want an OEM one and I can sell you mine.

 

And you are right, if the temp sensor on the dash is not at the 12 oclock position then your thermostat is likely sticking open. My second t-stat on my 2014 was the upgraded GM thermostat and it somehow warped itself even though I never overheated ever but it caused the coolant to always flow and excessively cool itself. I changed the t-stat before it would eventually trigger a check engine light for running too cool.

Edited January 22, 2024 by kickass audio