Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Thoughts on aftermarket thermostat options and whether or not to replace fan clutch

Chris G

Chris G

TJ Enthusiast
Original poster
Joined
Jul 18, 2019
Messages
107
Location
Michigan
Hi Everyone. I'm planning to do a coolant system overhaul while I've got some time off work, and I've already acquired most of the parts listed in the FAQ thread (Mopar radiator, Mopar water pump, all hoses, etc.)

The problem I'm having is that Mopar thermostat will not arrive before I have to go back to work. Any thoughts on the aftermarket ones from O'Reillys or similar? Are these known to have issues? Or, since this is preventative, would you recommend just leaving the stock one in there over replacing it with an O'Reillys special? I'd like to replace it while I've got everything apart, but I'm also trying to get the job done before I have to go back to work.

And also the fan clutch - I haven't ordered one of these yet. It seems like this would be easy to replace on it's own at a later date if I've got problems so I'm trying to pinch pennies where I can. Is this part known to fail, or do you think I'd be OK continuing on with the old one?

Thanks as always for the advice.
 
You can get a Stant Superstat locally that is as good as MOPAR.

I'd wait on the fan clutch if you don't see it leaking fluid and your temps are running OK.
 
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Agree, the Stant Superstat #45359 is generally considered to be a quality alternative to the Mopar thermostat. I purchased mine at a local Advance Auto a few years ago, However, I think they don't (nor any other chain parts stores) carry them in store any longer. Can be ordered from Amazon, Rockauto, etc, but not sure if that will meet the OP's time requirements. If not, I would probably either pony up the $$ for a Mopar thermostat from the local dealership, or get one of NAPA's premium line, 195deg non-failsafe
 
Thanks everyone for the quick input. @rouxbicon was right - the Stant is not carried at any of my local O'Reilly's, Advance, Napa, etc. I did find one in stock at a local independent store I didn't even know existed. Heading to pick it up now. Really appreciate it.
 
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rouxbicon said:
Agree, the Stant Superstat #45359 is generally considered to be a quality alternative to the Mopar thermostat. I purchased mine at a local Advance Auto a few years ago, However, I think they don't (nor any other chain parts stores) carry them in store any longer. Can be ordered from Amazon, Rockauto, etc, but not sure if that will meet the OP's time requirements. If not, I would probably either pony up the $$ for a Mopar thermostat from the local dealership, or get one of NAPA's premium line, 195deg non-failsafe
Click to expand...
I got mine at Advance as well. I think they still have them, but they are under an Advance P/N. Which means you'll have to go to the store and have them pull one out to verify it is the Stant.
 
In regards to the Stant Superstat, you may or may not get a Motorad thermostat in the box. I ordered parts for my XJ last month from RockAuto. I ordered the Stant thermostat. It came in Stant branded packaging, but the actual thermostat was Motorad. It has been working fine so far.
PXL_20201121_212433991.jpg


I previously looked around for a bit and found the post below. Another person also got a Motorad one when ordering a Stant. Then someone else stated they were told that Stant got bought out by Motorad. Summit Racing even lists the brand as "MotoRad/Stant."

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/replacement-thermostats-near-me.40858/
 
I prefer the Stant Superstat 195*. I used to get Mopar, but shortly after they switched to Motorad I bought two from the local dealer that came in plastic bags and were visibly bent. Not sure WTF they did to them at the dealer, but two times going back was enough for me to not buy one from there again. I've had good luck with the Stants so far, so I will continue to use them.
 
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Alski said:
Thanks again Jerry. Amazon.com says it fits while, our Amazon.ca continues to tell us otherwise on many occasions. Appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Many products that are correct for our TJs are indicated as not compatible and messages to Amazon saying they're actually correct go unanswered.
 
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