I learned something new today, and I want to pass the info along so it may help others out. We live off an interstate exit and at the same exit is a Mack Dealer which is also a Cummins, Perkins, Allison, Detroit Dealer. I know the parts manager very well, and have ordered a few odds and ends for my truck from him. 2 days ago I ordered the revised Cummins thermostat for my 1st Gen. and never asked the price, because I saw different places with it around 20-something, so I never cared. I got my thermo and slip today...total $47.20 with tax. I didnt object since I never asked the price, but I asked the PM, why so expensive. His response was each dealer must become a dealer for a certain/multi engine line. They are not a B series dealer, so although authorized, he must purchase it from another middleman, instead of through Cummins.

I am not familiar with how Cummins works thier parts, whether this is BS or not. Just want to pass on the word, and caution others. From now on I will be using another Cummins dealer. A $50 thermostat and its not even plated in gold

 

Was it atleast coated in lube for ya??????

 

I believe he's telling you correctly.. I know down here, I was kindly directed to French-Ellison Truck Center by a competitor who handles C-series engines and up, since F-E is the warranty station for this area on B engines...(you should have seen all the bread trucks out back)
My Tstat was ~$30 incl tax from F-E/Cummins parts..
If you want a pricey T-stat, go down to Dodge!!! They'll REALLY show you how much it hurts...
K.