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So I’ve been daily driving my 1981 F100 to and from work each night. I had a thermostat stuck in the open position. Replaced it with a 195 degree unit. As I was driving to work tonight, I noticed the temperature gauge read on the A on the NORMAL lettering. Is this getting too close the the red zone or is this acceptable? I noticed once I stopped, the gauge went down to the M. Where does your temperature gauge fall?
That is the million dollar question isn't it? According to that, as long as you are in the normal range don't worry about it correct? A lot of time and money is wasted on what the factory gauges tell you. The only one you should worry about is the fuel gauge. I would put an aftermarket set of gauges under the dash if I were worried about anything else like temperature, oil pressure and charging.
So this started after replacing your thermostat?
Sounds like you might have some air in the system. Burp the system and see if it improves. Even if you don't this doesn't cost anything just some time.
This is where it sat at all the way home this morning.
My truck does the exact same thing. I mean EXACTLY.
I also run the stock 195 degree thermostat. Normally, my truck runs right where yours is - around the "R." At times, the needle will slowly climb to the "A" just like in your other picture with nothing else being different. I put an infrared gun at the thermostat housing during both conditions, and the actual temperature reads the same! I am not sure why the gauge reads differently, but know that mine does the exact same thing and there is nothing wrong.
My truck does the exact same thing. I mean EXACTLY.
I also run the stock 195 degree thermostat. Normally, my truck runs right where yours is - around the "R." At times, the needle will slowly climb to the "A" just like in your other picture with nothing else being different. I put an infrared gun at the thermostat housing during both conditions, and the actual temperature reads the same! I am not sure why the gauge reads differently, but know that mine does the exact same thing and there is nothing wrong.
Thank you very much for replying. Glad to know that my old truck isn’t the only one lol. It runs normal and acts fine. Just saw the spike and it kind of startled me.
