What Temp Does a 302 Engine Overheat
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2015
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Any on line parts stores. They may not be Motorcraft but they should work for your truck.
Now you just told us the truck had a 300/4.9 six and you are installing a 78 302/5.0 from an LTD (not that that make any difference) as a 302 is a 302.
Now as some one said you can use the senders from the 4.9 in the 5.0 and not worry if they will work or not as they should have when the six was in the motor bay.
With all after market intakes you will need to use an adaptor for the temp senders unlike the stock intake.
Put a little sealer on the threads do not use sealing tape on the threads as it will keep the sender & adaptor from grounding and work.
Dave ----
Now you just told us the truck had a 300/4.9 six and you are installing a 78 302/5.0 from an LTD (not that that make any difference) as a 302 is a 302.
Now as some one said you can use the senders from the 4.9 in the 5.0 and not worry if they will work or not as they should have when the six was in the motor bay.
With all after market intakes you will need to use an adaptor for the temp senders unlike the stock intake.
Put a little sealer on the threads do not use sealing tape on the threads as it will keep the sender & adaptor from grounding and work.
Dave ----
Great, I'll get one for a 86 Bronco.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 22
From: Florence, SC
Originally Posted by Franklin2
I would not run a 160 thermostat. The engine needs to warm up enough to boil off the water and fuel out of the oil. It's a known fact that a engine that runs too cool wears faster.
192 - 195F thermostat is Ford spec for all small-block engines as far back as the 1960s. A hotter thermostat atomizes fuel better and is better for emissions AND engine longevity.
I also run a stock 195F thermostat in my 302 since I have owned it (10 years). Furthermore, my engine was bored 0.060 over and I live in South Carolina. Even at temperatures over 100F, the needle on my temperature gauge reads right in the middle of the scale at operating temperature.
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Elder User
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Still hot up there. Currently 94 feels like 104 opposed to here where its 92 feels like 103. I'm ready for winter!
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Elder User
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I agree with this 100%.
192 - 195F thermostat is Ford spec for all small-block engines as far back as the 1960s. A hotter thermostat atomizes fuel better and is better for emissions AND engine longevity.
I also run a stock 195F thermostat in my 302 since I have owned it (10 years). Furthermore, my engine was bored 0.060 over and I live in South Carolina. Even at temperatures over 100F, the needle on my temperature gauge reads right in the middle of the scale at operating temperature.
192 - 195F thermostat is Ford spec for all small-block engines as far back as the 1960s. A hotter thermostat atomizes fuel better and is better for emissions AND engine longevity.
I also run a stock 195F thermostat in my 302 since I have owned it (10 years). Furthermore, my engine was bored 0.060 over and I live in South Carolina. Even at temperatures over 100F, the needle on my temperature gauge reads right in the middle of the scale at operating temperature.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,491
Likes: 26
From: Algona,WA
For what it's worth. I have not had good experiences with parts store thermostats. I had a 180 rated stat and it operated like a 160. The ONLY good thermostat in my opinion is the Motorcraft RT-1139. That thing is so accurate it's scary. It runs better especially in the winter with the OEM 192* RT-1139 than it did with the parts store so called 180*.
My oil also stays noticeably cleaner as well now.
My oil also stays noticeably cleaner as well now.
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