engine operating temperature

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Feb 19, 2004 | 08:14 AM

First 250

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From: Massachusetts

engine operating temperature

Good morning all!

I have question for the forum gurus. My truck is a '99 F-250 and I have about a 30 mile commute to work in the morning. The needle on the temperature gauge stops just before the first white line so it never gets into the "normal" zone. I do get cab heat but it's not wicked (yeah, I'm from New England) hot. Ambient temperature has been in the 20's. Is this normal behavior? I will be towing in the summer so having a cooler thermostat may be a good thing, but if it's not normal, then I will replace it. Can't be good for gas mileage either.

Thanks for the help.

Feb 19, 2004 | 08:24 AM

FortyFords

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From: USA

You need to change the thermostat and or diagnose the guage problem.
Chk your clutch fan also it could be bad /frozen
a coolant flush could also be needed at the time you change your thermo!!!

If you intend to tow
I would invest in a good set of aftermarket guages
water temp /oilpress/ tranny temp.

Drifty Richie

Feb 19, 2004 | 11:04 AM

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From: Massachusetts

Thanks, FortyFords.
Does the clutch fan only work when the coolant is at operating temp or is it a function of engine speed?

Feb 19, 2004 | 02:02 PM

wlihntr

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From: colorado

the clutch fan has a thermostat that reacts to ambient temp. the hotter it gets the more it locks up, so if it is cold out and the engine is cold you should be able to spin the fan blade with your hand(with the engine off of course)

Feb 19, 2004 | 02:17 PM

Waxy

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From: Calgary Canada

A quick check would be to block all or part of the radiator with cardboard, etc and see if the engine runs warmer.

If no change, I would suspect the guage.

Running the engine below proper operating temps is hard on it and your pocket book.

Waxy

Feb 19, 2004 | 02:57 PM

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From: Massachusetts

Thanks for all the help, guys. Looks like I know what I'll be doing this weekend! That is if it doesn't snow...

Feb 21, 2004 | 03:06 PM

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From: Massachusetts

Here's an update on my engine's operating temperature problem. Replaced the thermostat today and the guage now gets about 1/3 of the way into the normal zone. So the thermostat was bad but funny thing is, it wasn't stuck open. Must be that it opened too early?
Anyway, all's well now. Changed the oil, oil filter and air filter as well. Sure is nice to not have to jack up the vehicle to get under it.

Thanks again for the advice. Love this list.

Joe