239 Flathead running hot
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,288
Likes: 1,053
From: NM
Are you looking at the dash gauge? Does it ever go higher, like on hills?
Do you have an infrared laser thermometer you could check temps with? The stock gauges aren't precision gauges. If you have a mechanical gauge that's good quality you could try that in place of the 2-terminal sender unit.
Aside from that, has the radiator been cleaned? Belts tight enough?
Do you have an infrared laser thermometer you could check temps with? The stock gauges aren't precision gauges. If you have a mechanical gauge that's good quality you could try that in place of the 2-terminal sender unit.
Aside from that, has the radiator been cleaned? Belts tight enough?
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: East Mountains New Mexico
Yes, just the simple dash gauge. Once it warms up, I haven't noticed much change.
Don't have a laser thermometer, seems like it's time to invest in one.
Thanks,
JL
Don't have a laser thermometer, seems like it's time to invest in one.
Thanks,
JL
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,772
Likes: 551
From: Kalispell, MT
Unless it's puking out coolant or showing other signs of being too hot, it is probably normal.
Each of these trucks is an individual and "normal" is only normal for your truck.
Just my 2 cents of course.
Each of these trucks is an individual and "normal" is only normal for your truck.
Just my 2 cents of course.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 763
From: Hillsborough NJ
Very inexpensive, I got mine at Harbor Freight for $25.
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: East Mountains New Mexico
Thanks for all comments. I have the NAPA 160's in and purchased my thermometer. It was interesting to watch the temps hit 160 and the thermostats opened. It is running between 175 and 180 at a strong idle.
I am happy with the results.
I am happy with the results.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 129
From: Atlantic Canada
I was just going to ask about thermostats myself. What are the correct temp stats for these trucks? Mine is a 1952 239 V8. The truck is running fine, but I'm making a list of things to do this winter since I just got the truck and maintenance history is sort of unknown. I'm used to 195 stats in my small block Ford and 300 inline six. Truck has a beautiful new aluminum radiator in it, and it doesn't seem to be running hot or anything, but I'm going to stick new stats in it this winter anyway.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 2,442
Likes: 256
The stock temp gauge is adjustable. If your temp is running about normal at 180-185, I would adjust the gauge to be more in the middle. You can test it with a D size battery and adjust the contacts on the back. One side is for starting position and one side is for needle throw.
Or you could leave as is, and know normal is where your needle is. My temp runs right around 182 and needle is dead center on gauge.
JB
Or you could leave as is, and know normal is where your needle is. My temp runs right around 182 and needle is dead center on gauge.
JB
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 235
Likes: 25
From: Solvang CA
Mine runs just over 3/4. But I have the two temp probes switched from stock. No reason, just me being dumb.
Probably no one will like this, but put the palm of your hand on the bottom of the radiator fins (bumper side where you can get at it). It should be cool enough to leave your hand there for say 3 or 5 seconds (or more maybe depending upon how sensitive or calloused your hands are) before your hand wants you to more it off. Top should be too hot to want to touch for very long. If the bottom is cooler as per above, then temp is ok.
Probably no one will like this, but put the palm of your hand on the bottom of the radiator fins (bumper side where you can get at it). It should be cool enough to leave your hand there for say 3 or 5 seconds (or more maybe depending upon how sensitive or calloused your hands are) before your hand wants you to more it off. Top should be too hot to want to touch for very long. If the bottom is cooler as per above, then temp is ok.
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