Temperature Gauge questions.
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Joined: May 2019
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Temperature Gauge questions.
Hello so i am kinda new to this engine stuff and car stuff but i been learning as i go so bare with me. I own a 95 f150 with a 5.8l 351w in it and when i would drive it daily the temperature gauge would be around the L on "NORMAL" on the cluster gauge than after getting a little higher it would go down to the M or the R and it had a 195f thermostat in it. But a few weeks ago i had a lower Intake Manifold trouble and had to replace it so i replaced the intake and i put in a new192f thermostat that i got from oreillys because that's all they had and i was told that these engines should have 190 or higher thermostat in them is this true? Now the temperature gauge stays above the L for a little longer than backs down to the M on the gauge and I'm just wondering if it's so post to run that hot or is gauge just a rough estimate of how hot its getting I'm not to sure because i get all freaked out when i see the needle by the L and go a little past it than it backs down to the M. Sorry for the rambling i just thought id explain by entire situation and everything i did cause i don't want coolant going everywhere haha.
thanks
thanks
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 97
Likes: 1
From: Ottawa, ON
the gauge is a glorified idiot light, if you want to keep tabs on the trucks water temp get an aftermarket gauge, and as well as the oil pressure. The thermostat has to be the factory rated temp one for the EFI to operate correctly.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 15,014
Likes: 35
From: Semper Fi tell I die!
mechanical will be more reliable. sending units go out once in a while on the electric ones.. pplus you cant read them when ignitions off.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,763
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You’re fine with a 192° F thermostat. Have you checked the gauge by grounding out the sending unit wire? It should peg to the hot side. Your gauge reads high compared to my trucks. They might go up to the R or N but then drop down to the O. For less than $20, I would try replacing the sending unit with a Motorcraft part and see if it changes. The oil pressure gauge has a resistor in the circuit and is more of a warning light but I believe that the temperature gauge is completely functional.
If the ignition is off wouldn’t the engine also be off?
If the ignition is off wouldn’t the engine also be off?
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