I only use Gates now after some cheap ones failed but didn't leak. Gates are very good. I have not had to replace one.
Your thermostat is probably stuck open. Replace it with an OEM Motorcraft version, not aftermarket.
I installed a Gates 33009S 195 degree after my Hughes install and haven’t had issues.
The brand new thermostat wasn’t opening all the way. One new Gates thermostat fixed the issue.
The Motorcraft thermostat sounds promising though, never have an issue with genuine ford parts.
I used a motorcraft RT-1139 thermostat. Comes with a jiggle valve to help bleed air already installed and cost me 8 bucks. You won’t find any place that says they fit other than some forum posts but they do indeed work, I installed one on my MJ with the only issue being me not refilling the radiator after dumping all the coolant.
I always use Premium Thermostats, which are billed to fail open. Gates or Stant are my favorite brands.
I replaced the thermostat from a non-OEM to Motorcraft about a month ago, and the only difference has been the speed at which the dial moves from higher temps to its normal positon.
I installed a Gates one a couple months back and it worked well for a little while; engine got up to operating temp fairly quickly and stayed there, but now it’s running really cold no matter how long or how hard I drive it. Think it’s stuck open.
I bought a Motorcraft thermostat from the Ford dealer for my Crown Vic and it ran about 20 degrees cold.
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If choosing thermostat across many manufacturers, check the part ranking. If your choice is down to two brands, the PartReview part comparisons help.
We compare thermostat across these categories:
In March 2026 on PartReview, thermostat Gates were overall better than Motorcraft.
In March 2026 on PartReview, thermostat Gates were overall more popular than Motorcraft.
By vote balance, thermostat Gates surpassed Motorcraft:
By number of reviews, thermostat Gates surpassed Motorcraft:
In March 2026, according to PartReview, thermostat Gates led more car-specific ratings than Motorcraft:
Gates are chosen by owners of cars such as: Dodge RAM, and others.
Thermostat Motorcraft have not yet taken leading positions in car-specific ratings. You can help by adding a review and specifying your car.
If this comparison didn’t fully answer your question, there are many others on PartReview.
For example, comparisons of thermostat Gates with: MotoRad, Wahler, OEM Volkswagen, Mahle, OEM Mazda, MOPAR, MISHIMOTO, OEM BMW, OEM Nissan, OEM Audi.
Also available: comparisons of thermostat Motorcraft with: MotoRad, Wahler, OEM Volkswagen, Mahle, OEM Mazda, MOPAR, MISHIMOTO, OEM BMW, OEM Nissan, OEM Audi.
You can also see who is better among other thermostat manufacturers: Wahler or MotoRad, OEM Volkswagen or MotoRad, Mahle or MotoRad, OEM Mazda or MotoRad, MOPAR or MotoRad.
