4.9 running cool - is this normal?
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4.9 running cool - is this normal?
This is my 3rd 300-6 truck and it seems it runs cool similar to how my last 2 did. On this 1995 the heat gets modestly warm not hot at all and temp guage doesn't hit 1/4 mark. Plan on doing thermostat, heater core and cooling system flush. How erroneous are these temp guages?
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
These temp gauges aren't the greatest, but of all Fords I have/had, they all at least came up to the N of NORMAL.
If your heat isn't nice and hot then either the heater core is clogged or thermostat is bad.
If your heat isn't nice and hot then either the heater core is clogged or thermostat is bad.
New User
Joined: Dec 2014
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From: Hurricane, WV
This is my 3rd 300-6 truck and it seems it runs cool similar to how my last 2 did. On this 1995 the heat gets modestly warm not hot at all and temp guage doesn't hit 1/4 mark. Plan on doing thermostat, heater core and cooling system flush. How erroneous are these temp guages?
When you go to the parts store and ask for a thermostat, most of the time, the guy behind the counter usually thinks he's doing you a favor by grabbing the lowest temp rating stat they have. There is a pretty big difference between a 160 and 190 degree t-stat. Not only will the lower temp not allow your heating system to work well, but it could also affect how the truck runs...even mpg.
I had a mustang once with a miss I couldn't figure out. It was running rich and plugs would foul out from carbon build-up. I tried everything I could think of to get it fixed, but everything checked out good. I finally realized the temp gauge was showing pretty low. I had even replaced the thermostat and temp was still too low. I went back to the parts store and had them look it up again. They had given me the lowest temp rated one they had. They showed in their computer that oe called for a higher temp. I replaced it and that car ran like a scalded donkey.
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My truck was a one owner up until last week when I bought it and original owner said heat hasn't been super hot just warm enough to make do. And I agree that it's probably hurting mpg running that temp. OE tstat is 195 right? Gonna get one that's not bottom of the line and see if that changes anything. Also coolant looks like muddy water in reservoir so that's never good
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Joined: Dec 2014
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From: Hurricane, WV
My truck was a one owner up until last week when I bought it and original owner said heat hasn't been super hot just warm enough to make do. And I agree that it's probably hurting mpg running that temp. OE tstat is 195 right? Gonna get one that's not bottom of the line and see if that changes anything. Also coolant looks like muddy water in reservoir so that's never good
I've always been a fan of the flush n fill kits. I think they're around $6-7, but makes it easy to back flush the system. I typically flush my vehicles once a year. Very easy to install. Just cut the heater hose and put a "t" fitting in it. The fitting has a cap on it. The kit comes with an adapter so you can hook a garden hose to it. Works like a charm! When you're done, just fill it up and put the cap back on.
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Joined: Mar 2014
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From: St Charles Missouri
I test drove 3 of these trucks before I bought mine and every one of them had like a 1/4 temp reading. My truck was by FAR the best one I drove but it also had the same temp reading so I just figured it was normal. I'm not too worried about it b/c the heat is hot enough and the fluid is brand new as of yesterday. The fluid change did not change the gauge reading when warm at all btw
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FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
I got a truck like that last year.. a 1 owner with muddy water in the rad and no heat in the cab. Your heater core is plugged I can guarantee it, you're goiig to need to do a really good flush on the whole coolant system and also flush the heater core with a garden hose. I had to flush the coolant 3 times before it stayed clean for more than a week, and now the truck produces the boot melting heat all of these trucks typically do.
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Just an update- the truck had the factory thermostat in it. I changed it and changed the heater core and flushed the system and its running on the N in normal now and heat is super hot. Thanks for the help too!
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Joined: Mar 2014
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From: St Charles Missouri
Wow I wish I had read this about a week ago! I bet mine is clogged up too and that's why my coolant tank has what seems like muddy water in it! See this thread. My heat is hot enough to keep you warm but by not means boot burning and the guage is way over to the left not near the N
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-big-deal.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-big-deal.html
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