Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Thermostat Temp

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 19, 2004 | 12:09 AM
  #1  
morrigj83's Avatar
morrigj83
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Connell Wa
Thermostat Temp

Im not sure what temp thermostat is in my engine right now but i never seem to warm up that much. The needle only gets up to the n on normal at the best. What is the right temp for a 351 to run at in the winter and in summer?
 
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2004 | 12:12 AM
  #2  
EPNCSU2006's Avatar
EPNCSU2006
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,558
Likes: 45
From: Concord, NC
Every stock ford temp guage has run around the N in normal. 195 degree is stock, I have a 180 in my truck. I definitely wouldn't go any lower than 180.
 
Reply
Old Mar 20, 2004 | 08:41 AM
  #3  
ajstephan's Avatar
ajstephan
Senior User
25 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 369
Likes: 1
Yeah, stock is 195 for emmisions reasons. I dropped mine to 180 as well to prevent overheating while towing - that 105 degree day towing up those steep hills just about did me in. I had to turn the heat on...(oops, rambling again.)

If I were you, I'd first put a peice of cardboard over the radiator to see if the gauge reads higher than N (love those informative gauges...). If so, the thermostat could be stuck open. If someone else owned this, they might have put a 'fail safe' in that sticks open when it fails, rather than the traditional type that stick closed.

Next, check to make sure the upper radiator hose doesn't get warm before it should. I'd just start it up cold and check that upper hose temp with your hand. It shouldn't get warm until the coolants heated up to 195 degrees(or 'N' on the gauge, I guess).

Tough to tell, but normal idling shouldn't get it there. You may want to rev it a bit to get it warm while holding the hose. You should feel a sudden temp surge in the hose as the thermostat opens.

If it's just gradual, pull it and boil it. Check the opening with a meat thermometer. Then replace it with a new one. Good luck.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bnelson2444
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
54
Jan 21, 2014 10:37 AM
Oversize
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
9
Feb 23, 2009 10:30 AM
slk133
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
11
Mar 31, 2008 01:32 PM
reifwj
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
11
Mar 26, 2008 07:42 PM
fordtruck88
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Jan 30, 2005 07:49 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:10 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE