Engine Temp Too Low?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,792
Likes: 72
From: Richland, WA
Engine Temp Too Low?
So for sometime my engine temp will barely reach the 'N' in Normal. I know that it's just an idiot gauge, but shouldn't it still be up around the 'RM' range? I just changed the coolant and thermostat, but that didn't make any difference. It's a '97 and I just grabbed a parts store t-stat, so 195°F. I'm wondering if I just need a new temp sender. Should I be concerned about this? Any thoughts?
Been thinking about getting a 203°F, but I don't see that making a huge difference on the gauge; especially since 195°F is suppose to be the 'Normal'.
Been thinking about getting a 203°F, but I don't see that making a huge difference on the gauge; especially since 195°F is suppose to be the 'Normal'.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,897
Likes: 8
Mine sits on the n. Goes up to the o if I'm really working it. I have a 195 but it seems a fair number on here run 203's on here. I don't know if that's a year round thing or just for summer. The only real way you'll find out what it's really doing is with a proper gauge
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,667
Likes: 1
From: Glen Rose,Texas
Mine sits on the n. Goes up to the o if I'm really working it. I have a 195 but it seems a fair number on here run 203's on here. I don't know if that's a year round thing or just for summer. The only real way you'll find out what it's really doing is with a proper gauge
Aeroforce Technology Inc | Products - Interceptor
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,195
Likes: 6
From: Medford Oregon
Nothing wrong with our temp gauges, they are good quality and just don't have numbers on them. My own personal experience has shown the 195 stats start opening at 170 degrees. The cooling system is so efficient on these engines it is hard to get above that 170 degree point unless working the engine. Four or five years ago I put in the 203 stat. It starts opening at 190 degrees and makes a world of difference in heat output and overall engine operation. I'm now running between the "R" and 'M' in NORMAL where before I was always down around the "N" to 'O'.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,756
Likes: 38
From: Nampa, ID
Nothing wrong with our temp gauges, they are good quality and just don't have numbers on them. My own personal experience has shown the 195 stats start opening at 170 degrees. The cooling system is so efficient on these engines it is hard to get above that 170 degree point unless working the engine. Four or five years ago I put in the 203 stat. It starts opening at 190 degrees and makes a world of difference in heat output and overall engine operation. I'm now running between the "R" and 'M' in NORMAL where before I was always down around the "N" to 'O'.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,386
Likes: 1
From: Spokane, WA
Knock on wood here, but I have had my truck since 2006 and haven't really serviced the cooling system in that time. I have used the test strips and found the coolant to be in range. I did install a coolant filter last year though, I'll cut it open some time this year, I agree the system is very efficient, I have no idea what temp the thermostat I am running is, it really doesn't matter to me because it works good for me, warms up just fine. Mine runs between N and O on the NORMAL gauge and just a little higher when towing just doesn't matter I am mostly concerned with the egt gauge. I also do not like the "NORMAL" gauge though, it's not very descriptive of how the letters N-O-R-M-A-L relate to temperature? I mean if the needle is anywhere in the normal range, is that considered normal 
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Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10,408
Likes: 75
From: Plankinton, SD
My sentiments exactly. I've been running without my engine fan for quite awhile now. So far, I haven't gotten above the "A" in NORMAL and am generally around the "M" most of the time. It'll get between "A" and "L" when I'm towing my 24' travel trailer. For me, the 203*F thermostat was a good upgrade. I did have to replace my water pump earlier this year, so I'm sure that has something to do with the better temperature control, too.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20,418
Likes: 196
From: AZ
I have the AeroForce Interceptor and it is a really helpful tool if you want to watch fuel pressure,coolant temp,oil temp,boost and many other items.It will display and clear codes.Once a year there is a group buy on here as well.Talk to Jim at Rosewood Diesel.
Aeroforce Technology Inc | Products - Interceptor
Aeroforce Technology Inc | Products - Interceptor
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
It should read coolant too cuz if it gets too hot it can throw it into limp mode or shut it off, at least that's how the Suzuki and Yamaha products I work on are, most of them anyways
