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Proper coolant temp..

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Old May 4, 2011 | 10:10 AM
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Proper coolant temp..

Hey guys,

I have a 2006 f350 PSD, Ive been watching my gauges, and am averaging a temp of 174-182 on average, without towing.
My question is, does this seem a little on the cool side for a diesel?
I'm wondering if the owner before me put the wrong thermostat in, or if indeed this is the proper running temp for normal driving...
Any info is always appreciated.

(also I am finding my block heater is not kicking in when I plug her in, any easy ways of troubleshooting that?)

Thank you,
 
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Old May 4, 2011 | 10:58 AM
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depends. how cold is it where you are. in the winter in the 30's i saw that but i think my thermostat was bad. now summer time im 190-208 depending on how hot it is. change your thermostat. takes 15 mins to do and most of that time is draining the coolant. might wanna just do a coolant flush while you are at it. i got the thermostat at oreilly's for 20 bucks
 
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Old May 4, 2011 | 10:59 AM
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sorry just saw the block heater deal. follow it back up to the block. (passenger side rear) is where its located. it might have come unplugged. just plug it back in. if that doesnt work try a new cord
 
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Old May 4, 2011 | 11:05 AM
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Much appreciated, I will probably just replace it and do the coolant change while Im at it as you suggested.
I wont bring up the debate on which coolant I will use as I have seen 100's of posts debating back and forth on which to use ha-ha.

This site rocks, thanks again.
 
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Old May 4, 2011 | 11:19 AM
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understand that! but yea just follow the coolant flush procedure and do the one with the thermostat removed
 
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Old May 4, 2011 | 05:06 PM
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You need to change your thermostat. The thermostat starts to open at 190 degree's. After I changed mine, it held the ECT to 190 at ambient temperatures down to 0 degrees.
 
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Old May 4, 2011 | 06:31 PM
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Originally Posted by dchamberlain
You need to change your thermostat. The thermostat starts to open at 190 degree's. After I changed mine, it held the ECT to 190 at ambient temperatures down to 0 degrees.
I experianced the same thing mines held 190 since Iv changed it
 
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Old May 4, 2011 | 07:58 PM
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I had the same problem, running about 175 before t-stat change, 190 on the mark after. On the block heater the end of the plug might be corroded or the wires could be broken. I had to install a new plug. Home depot sells a watt-stopper for
$30.00 you could use to check for current draw.
 
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Old May 4, 2011 | 08:32 PM
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I had to wire a new plug end on to
I think the old lady drove off with it plugged in even though she wouldnt admit it

Iv thought about moving it it shur does catch alot of weather in the front of the truck
 
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Old May 5, 2011 | 12:08 AM
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Just an update:

I finished replacing the thermostat, and coolant, and shes holding 190 Steady...

Thanks for the help guys,

Tomorow il try to tackle the block heater issue
 
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