Operating Temps Down
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Operating Temps Down
Im not sure if maybe I have a gauge problem or what. Could my thermostat be opening earlier than it should?
I have noticed that my truck wont get up to the center of the C-H gauge like it has for the past 14 years. I can drive 100 miles working it hard and it stays much closer to the C, sometimes just above the operating temp brackets.
My main concern is I know diesels need to be at the right temp to be most efficient and I know running colder is it can run at its peak.
Let me know if you have had smilier issue.
Thanks
I have noticed that my truck wont get up to the center of the C-H gauge like it has for the past 14 years. I can drive 100 miles working it hard and it stays much closer to the C, sometimes just above the operating temp brackets.
My main concern is I know diesels need to be at the right temp to be most efficient and I know running colder is it can run at its peak.
Let me know if you have had smilier issue.
Thanks
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Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Hat Creek Ca
Mine has always run about where you say yours is now, just above he lower "bracket" line.
Most here will tell you that the in-dash gauge is little more than an idiot light as far as accuracy is concerned. I don't know one way or the other on that score. You could always get an IR temp "gun" and check that way or maybe just rest a good thermometer on the thermostat housing?
Most here will tell you that the in-dash gauge is little more than an idiot light as far as accuracy is concerned. I don't know one way or the other on that score. You could always get an IR temp "gun" and check that way or maybe just rest a good thermometer on the thermostat housing?
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If you have an automatic, the gauge and sensor are independent from the vehicle PCM. Basically they run directly to the gauge and will not effect the engine's performance.
Do you monitor EOT? Water Temps run about 15 *F lower than the EOT.
A more accurate way to determine if it's "too" cool is to use a Laser Thermometer on the Thermostat Neck and read it there.
Another way is to install a 270* Sweep Gauge (I like the 270* sweep gauge because they're easier to see and I believe more accurate) with a sealed vapor tube. It can be installed on the water pump with a nipple.
This time of year, they tend to never get to Normal Operating Temperature - They're cooling machines. Several people block their radiator off to maintain N.O.T. I have not seen 200*F on my EOT and the ambient air temperature here in GA is about 60*F +/- 10*F daily.
Do you monitor EOT? Water Temps run about 15 *F lower than the EOT.
A more accurate way to determine if it's "too" cool is to use a Laser Thermometer on the Thermostat Neck and read it there.
Another way is to install a 270* Sweep Gauge (I like the 270* sweep gauge because they're easier to see and I believe more accurate) with a sealed vapor tube. It can be installed on the water pump with a nipple.
This time of year, they tend to never get to Normal Operating Temperature - They're cooling machines. Several people block their radiator off to maintain N.O.T. I have not seen 200*F on my EOT and the ambient air temperature here in GA is about 60*F +/- 10*F daily.
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This time of year they are 70-75 on the high side and 45 on some cold mornings bust normally around 50 on the low end
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Asheville-where weird is
With temps in the 70-75 degree range you should get close to operating temps as long as it runs long enough.
At 50 degrees and below, this beast never reaches full operating temp unless I am towing a trailer with weight or wind resistance.
If it is in the 20's and below you have to add a mountain grade at 6 percent for several miles and then it may not quite make it.
At 50 degrees and below, this beast never reaches full operating temp unless I am towing a trailer with weight or wind resistance.
If it is in the 20's and below you have to add a mountain grade at 6 percent for several miles and then it may not quite make it.
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From: Oakhust NJ Jersey Shore
My truck always stayed to the cool side for years, than I put in a 203 degree t-stat and my gauge went right ti the middle and I have the best heat ever. I have to shut it off or it's a sweat box. Best investment I made and I made plenty, they wont let me add more i'm out of room on my signature.
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