Temperature Gauge Questions
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Tuned
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 317
Likes: 16
From: Richmond, VA
Temperature Gauge Questions
Hey everyone.
I have a 5.8 F250, I've noticed the temp gauge gets a bit higher than my old trucks did, but they were different engines. It hovers between the M and A of NORMAL on the gauge (M around town, A doing 70 on the interstate).
Is this about right? My truck is a service truck and the GVW is about 8k.
What is the temperature at various points on the letters?
Where can I install a water temp gauge so I can watch it better on this engine?
Thanks!
I have a 5.8 F250, I've noticed the temp gauge gets a bit higher than my old trucks did, but they were different engines. It hovers between the M and A of NORMAL on the gauge (M around town, A doing 70 on the interstate).
Is this about right? My truck is a service truck and the GVW is about 8k.
What is the temperature at various points on the letters?
Where can I install a water temp gauge so I can watch it better on this engine?
Thanks!
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,190
Likes: 620
Could be any number of things. Clogged radiator or block, weak water pump, thermostat not opening all the way, fan clutch going to hell. I'd honestly start with getting in there and externally washing the radiator to make sure the fins aren't all full of crap, it can certainly happen.
As far as installing an aftermarket gauge, on a 351, there should be an extra port in one of the intake manifold water jackets, or you can do a Tee off the same port that the factory sensor goes into.
As far as installing an aftermarket gauge, on a 351, there should be an extra port in one of the intake manifold water jackets, or you can do a Tee off the same port that the factory sensor goes into.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 312
There is no precise meaning to where the gauge points. It’s a fake gauge just like the oil pressure gauge and voltmeter(?) sitting in the cluster.
Even my ‘03 just has a few gauges pointing aimlessly in the middle, more or less. My ‘18 Ram is no different. Some cute gauges without numbers that point about midway. At least I can get actual numbers off the big info screen...
Even my ‘03 just has a few gauges pointing aimlessly in the middle, more or less. My ‘18 Ram is no different. Some cute gauges without numbers that point about midway. At least I can get actual numbers off the big info screen...
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,829
Likes: 363
From: Candy Mountain
The sender the gauge works off of provides variable resistance based on temperature, which you can test. However, I have found there is a fair amount variability between senders, and thus how the gauge displays. Aftermarket seems to be worse than OEM, but also much cheaper.
My truck currently has a Standard brand sender in it, and once warmed up the needle tends to travel between O and R, so I remember that as the normal area of the gauge. It does seem accurate enough that I can see the temps going up, and then when the thermostat opens the gauge drops a bit and stabilizes.
If you want to know what going on you can install an aftermarket gauge, which work on the same principles, but the gauge is graduated and the sender unit will probably be better made. They make thermostat housings that are already machined to accept a sensor, but you can put one just about anywhere.
As far as the truck running a little warm, could be a lot of things, may just be time for an ignition tune up or to flush the cooling system. Maybe the sender needs to be replaced. Start with the basics and move forward from there.
My truck currently has a Standard brand sender in it, and once warmed up the needle tends to travel between O and R, so I remember that as the normal area of the gauge. It does seem accurate enough that I can see the temps going up, and then when the thermostat opens the gauge drops a bit and stabilizes.
If you want to know what going on you can install an aftermarket gauge, which work on the same principles, but the gauge is graduated and the sender unit will probably be better made. They make thermostat housings that are already machined to accept a sensor, but you can put one just about anywhere.
As far as the truck running a little warm, could be a lot of things, may just be time for an ignition tune up or to flush the cooling system. Maybe the sender needs to be replaced. Start with the basics and move forward from there.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,829
Likes: 363
From: Candy Mountain
There is no precise meaning to where the gauge points. It’s a fake gauge just like the oil pressure gauge and voltmeter(?) sitting in the cluster.
Even my ‘03 just has a few gauges pointing aimlessly in the middle, more or less. My ‘18 Ram is no different. Some cute gauges without numbers that point about midway. At least I can get actual numbers off the big info screen...
Even my ‘03 just has a few gauges pointing aimlessly in the middle, more or less. My ‘18 Ram is no different. Some cute gauges without numbers that point about midway. At least I can get actual numbers off the big info screen...
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,811
Likes: 2,431
That’s not accurate. In 1989 the oil pressure gauge was turned into a fake gauge. You can convert it back into a real gauge. The temp and voltmeter are real gauges.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 12,335
Likes: 1,312
From: Central Mississippi
You can do the same on the intake side of the housing if you feel froggy & want he the temp reading from there.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 946
Likes: 186
From: Carnation, Wah
Having both factory and aftermarket temp gauges, the factory is consistent.
My 350 runs right between R and M, and the 88c thermostat gives a 200f reading
on the VDO gauge.
The truck warms up a little going up a significant grade with the trailer, and mid- M corresponds to 210f.
Are either truly accurate?
I doubt it. But it doesn't matter too much,
If it ever makes it past mid- A, it's time to slow down, gear down,
and get out of the throttle...
...and then check coolant when it cools off.
whut mine duz,
t
My 350 runs right between R and M, and the 88c thermostat gives a 200f reading
on the VDO gauge.
The truck warms up a little going up a significant grade with the trailer, and mid- M corresponds to 210f.
Are either truly accurate?
I doubt it. But it doesn't matter too much,
If it ever makes it past mid- A, it's time to slow down, gear down,
and get out of the throttle...
...and then check coolant when it cools off.
whut mine duz,
t
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