I've looked through a lot of answers to questions about engine temperature, but I'm still a bit confused. I have a '77 F250 4x4 with the 460 engine. The previous owner had a 160* thermostat installed, so it has been running cold, especially now that it is in the single digits here in Missouri. I put in a new thermostat, but all I could find is the 195* thermostat.

So I was wondering what is the normal temperature range for a 460? Also, I've heard that engine operating temperature isn't necessarily the same as the coolant temperature, so what I want to know is how what is the range as read by my temperature gauge (an aftermarket mechanical temp gauge). At what temperature do I need to pull over and stop the truck?

Also, right now the truck is running at 190-195, but it is really cold outside. Will it be at risk for overheating in warm weather? It gets to 100+ here in St Louis in the summers, so will I have to switch it out for a cooler thermostat? I mostly use the truck for driving to work a few times per week, although I rarely tow maybe 1,000 lbs or haul furniture or something like that. Will it be a problem?

 

195 is mostly what you'll find for any car thermostat and as long as your cooling system is up to snuff then you won't overheat in the summer. 195 running temps are perfect. I would pull over if it got over 230.

 

+1. No better answer than that.

 

I live in western Kentucky so I have the same hot humid summers as you. I run 195 t-stat with no problems.