'96 XJ 4.0 here. Heading down the road at a consistent 60 mph yesterday in 55F deg weather and my engine temp gauge on the dash stayed b/t 165-175 only, so it appears my thermostat is stuck open. Not the first time I've seen it dip that low after fully warming up. I believe it was a common part out of O'Reilly's maybe.



What's a decent quality and not too high priced thermostat I could get for my engine that won't be failing anytime soon?

 

For cooling systems components, I would recommend OEM Mopar.

It will be more expensive, but as a friend says "buy once, cry once".

 

Yep, or Stant.

Don't get anything fancy.

 

Someone suggested a premium 195F Stant on ebay for like $6.50. Any reasons not to get this one from ebay?

 

stant superstat works great in my Jeep

 

It's 7 bucks on Amazon, 8.95 at Advance Auto. For the tiny savings, why take a chance on eBay?

 

OEM, it may be like $27 but it's GOING to work

 

I'm happy for you.

I put those in 3 of my 4.0s.

Warranteed all 3 of them out.

Finally got Mopar.

 

Buy it local since it's likely not to perform well. Easier to return.

Mopar 52028186AC

 

After hearing a few too many complaints about Stant I'm prob gonna go ahead with OEM/mopar. Is there a good cheap place online to get these kinds of parts? Is my local dealer the only place I'm likely to find it close by?

cruiser I searched for Mopar 52028186AC and all of the links I followed said they they fit 1997 upward. Is this one known to fit a '96 4.0 for sure?

 

Wermopar.com or rockauto. I think rockauto usually has the MOPAR items priced higher but shipping is cheaper. The exact opposite is true for we r mopar. Try both, see which ones cheaper.

 

Also don't rule out your temp gauge sensor could be bad but it's cheaper to replace the thermostat.

I've used gate/stant thermostats in multiple cars never had an issue, a thermostat is a basic wax actuator, not much to go wrong with one.

 

My opinion? Stant Superstat 195*- $4 at rockauto. I've used one for 80K miles and it's still good. I've used Stant in all my vehicles for years.

 

If the dealer cant get them for whatever reason, Rockauto sells the Mopar thermostat for less than $20. However, it is not included in the manufacturers drop down lists. You have to go to the 'Parts Number Search' and type in 52028186AC. It is only the thermostat. If you prefer the Mopar gasket over the others they carry that as well. Type in part number 530205474AC. The Felpro equivalant (35630) pops up along with it, which also does not show up in the manufacturers parts list for Jeep. Felpro 32054 pops up instead.

What are the orange ridges on the Mopar and Felpro 35630? I thought perhaps sealant, but it doesnt go all the way around. With that said, which of the two Felpro are better, 35630 or 32054?

 

I've got a ac Delco 195 degree thermostat work great. I got mine off of rock auto for like $6. I've never seen it above 210 it usually stays at 195.