Operating Temp
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2013
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Operating Temp
I have a 1973 F-100 with a 1972 351 Cleveland in it. It is rebuilt with a new radiator.
I have a 180 thermostat in it and it runs about 165 degrees just driving it. In traffic it will run 180 degrees.
Is that an OK temp? Or is it too low?
I have a 180 thermostat in it and it runs about 165 degrees just driving it. In traffic it will run 180 degrees.
Is that an OK temp? Or is it too low?
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,553
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Normally a 180 degree stat will start opening at 180 and be fully open by 185-190. Once driven for a while, engine temp should be 180+ unless it is very cold outside. It sounds like either your stat or temp gauge is out of whack.
Your problem is easy though... over cooling is a lot easier to fix vs undercooling. I would check temps with a different coolant gauge or change the stat.
Agree as posted above 190-200 is best for a street engine but 180 is OK. Below 180 is kinda low for economy and long engine life. Personally, I would try a stock replacement T stat which should be rated 192-195 degrees first.
Your problem is easy though... over cooling is a lot easier to fix vs undercooling. I would check temps with a different coolant gauge or change the stat.
Agree as posted above 190-200 is best for a street engine but 180 is OK. Below 180 is kinda low for economy and long engine life. Personally, I would try a stock replacement T stat which should be rated 192-195 degrees first.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2013
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I bought a General Tool Infra-Red gun at Lowes. Thanks for the great idea.
The temp on the outside of the water temp sender is 165 degrees and that is what the gauge said.
The top of the housing that holds the thermostat is about 180 degrees.
The face of the head is 175 degrees.
The top of the intake manifold is 185 degrees.
The carb (Edelbrock 1405) with a .320 heat insulator runs about 110 degrees.
The fuel line going into the carb is about 120 degrees.
The water in the radiator is about 135 and so is the face of the radiator.
Looking inside the radiator it doesn't look like the 180 thermostat opens because the truck doesn't get hot enough.
Today it was about 70 degrees outside.
On colder days I put some cardboard over 1/2 the radiator to get the temp on the gauge up to 170.
It is a rebuilt 351 Cleveland with a new radiator. My only guess is it breathing a lot better now.
Any thoughts? Any comments?
The temp on the outside of the water temp sender is 165 degrees and that is what the gauge said.
The top of the housing that holds the thermostat is about 180 degrees.
The face of the head is 175 degrees.
The top of the intake manifold is 185 degrees.
The carb (Edelbrock 1405) with a .320 heat insulator runs about 110 degrees.
The fuel line going into the carb is about 120 degrees.
The water in the radiator is about 135 and so is the face of the radiator.
Looking inside the radiator it doesn't look like the 180 thermostat opens because the truck doesn't get hot enough.
Today it was about 70 degrees outside.
On colder days I put some cardboard over 1/2 the radiator to get the temp on the gauge up to 170.
It is a rebuilt 351 Cleveland with a new radiator. My only guess is it breathing a lot better now.
Any thoughts? Any comments?
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