Ford quietly redesigned the thermostat in 2022...replace it

[LokiWolf]

Let me put this in a different light, at least Ford redesigns this stuff and fixes it. In 2018 they introduced the 3rd generation of the 5.0L V8. They added dual injection, high compression pistons, plasma arc cylinder liners. Job 1 trucks quickly started consuming insane levels of oil. 1 year before this Ford released the 2nd generation of the 3.5 EcoBoost. Job 1 trucks quickly started rattling and many still believe the oil galleys casted into the block were not large enough resulting in excessive top end wear. Many shops find excessive wear in the cam caps on these era engine. Admittedly 17-20 F-150 engines were a hot mess. Disaster. So much so I refused to buy a used truck when researching. But in 2021 Ford gave the 5.0L all new pistons with new oil control rings, new intake manifold and throttle body, VCT’s. They added power, brought the torque curve lower into the revs, and made it more reliable. They gave the 3.5L an all new generation of camphasers and changed the pistons and some things in the block. Again adding power. They fixed the motors!!

Contrast: GM has had lifter failures on the LS and LT since 2007. What have they done? Nothing. Same sh*t different day. I’d rather see a manufacturer improve on issues they find than deny it and never fix it.

@JExpedition07 Glad you are still around, because this is an excellent perspective! Thanks!

 

[sjwelds]

@JExpedition07 Glad you are still around, because this is an excellent perspective! Thanks!

X2. Man brings the deets.

 

[NavigatorPro]

There were camphaser issues on the 2018, 2019 and 2020 as well as 10R80 issues and a severe overheating problem. I felt like I was a beta tester for the 2018 Navigator. My 2018 Navigator spent 6 months total in the dealership and I think the engine was opened up 3 times. In early 2020 before COVID I rented a 2020 Expedition and it had the cold start rattle. All these issues have been fixed. In the 2021 or 2023 Navigator no issues were noticed.

On the 2021 I was still seeing 10R80 adaptive memory issues, but those were resolved with a reset. Not noticing adaptive memory issues on the 2023.

As for spark plugs Im not taking anyones word for it but Ford and NGK. If its not listed on their website saying it can go in there Im not putting it in there. End of discussion.

 

[NavigatorPro]

Here are two Ford Raptor videos with the old and new thermostat. Youtube links.

Old Thernostat

New Thermostat

 

[sixsix]

My 2019 Max Platinum just started running hot but so far it’s only on interstate when going up any kind of grade, doesn’t even have to be all that much. Usually when it gets to the peak it’ll show 235 degrees. I recently had 2 heater hoses replaced that were leaking and it didn’t start doing it till after that. I need to call the dealer back and see what they say. I may have to replace it myself tho, I can’t afford those high dealer prices…. They charged me $600 in labor to change the two hoses, and they were quick connects.

Any write ups out there on changing out the thermostat? It doesn’t look too terribly complicated.

 

[rd618]

My 2019 Max Platinum just started running hot but so far it’s only on interstate when going up any kind of grade, doesn’t even have to be all that much. Usually when it gets to the peak it’ll show 235 degrees. I recently had 2 heater hoses replaced that were leaking and it didn’t start doing it till after that. I need to call the dealer back and see what they say. I may have to replace it myself tho, I can’t afford those high dealer prices…. They charged me $600 in labor to change the two hoses, and they were quick connects.

Any write ups out there on changing out the thermostat? It doesn’t look too terribly complicated.

I wish I could get 425 miles to empty with 2/3rds tank.

 

[sixsix]

I wish I could get 425 miles to empty with 2/3rds tank.

That was into a 9 hr drive from New Orleans to Gatlinburg, TN. It does really well on long open road drives.

 

[3rd Expyowner123]

My 2018 Expedition started showing 234 degrees when driving up a long grade at 80mph or when driving 75mph pulling my boat. Took a picture of the dash temp gauge showing 234.
My local Ford dealer could not duplicate high temperature as they were not going to drive over the speed limit etc.
I also noticed my cooling fans running hard while driving in stop and go traffic when the outdoor air temperatures were in the 90’s.
I paid my Ford dealer to replace the thermostat. That solved the problem.
If anyone is have Cam Phasers replaced, make sure to ask to replace thermostat while the engine is apart.
Yes, the thermostat was redesigned. My original had a metal end which now is plastic on the updated design.

 

[sixsix]

My 2018 Expedition started showing 234 degrees when driving up a long grade at 80mph or when driving 75mph pulling my boat. Took a picture of the dash temp gauge showing 234.
My local Ford dealer could not duplicate high temperature as they were not going to drive over the speed limit etc.
I also noticed my cooling fans running hard while driving in stop and go traffic when the outdoor air temperatures were in the 90’s.
I paid my Ford dealer to replace the thermostat. That solved the problem.
If anyone is have Cam Phasers replaced, make sure to ask to replace thermostat while the engine is apart.
Yes, the thermostat was redesigned. My original had a metal end which now is plastic on the updated design.

Oh yeah that's the other thing I forgot to mention, the cooling fans seem to never shut off.

 

[3rd Expyowner123]

Have your thermostat replaced!