Temp gauge problem. what is normal op temp?
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Temp gauge problem. what is normal op temp?
Hi,
I have a 1984 F350 with a new Jasper 351. the temp gauge seems to be reading high. it does not go to the "H". but it stays all the way to the right (just within the normal band). This is with highway driving in 30 degree temp.
I did not drive the truck before the new motor was placed. I cannot beleive that the motor could be running that warm.
i am thinking ( for peace of mind) of putting in an aftermarket gauge. which is better, the mechanical or electric ones? They range from 140 to 280 degrees. at what temp should i be running at ? at what temp am i getting into trouble? and at what temp do i want to pull over?
also, the oil pressure gauge is always at the high end . i suspect that might be normal for a new engine?
any help is greatly appreciated!!!!
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Temp gauge problem. what is normal op temp?
I would get a cheap mechanical guage, and hook it up temporary to see what's going on. All the Fords I've had, seem to run around the "o" in the word "normal" on the guage. I can see it jump around the "o" when it is warming up, so I can safely assume this is the thermostat temperature, which is about 195 degrees. My truck was doing the same thing yours was, but I didn't trust the factory guage either. I hooked up a mechanical guage, and found out over near the "l" in "normal", I was running about 240-260 degrees. My thermostat was stuck closed. What kept it from boiling over, I don't know.
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From: Homestead, FL
Temp gauge problem. what is normal op temp?
Hi-
My thoughts on it- Do put another gauge to check it, this way you know if the sender is bad also. Running in 30 degree temperatures on the highway like you said though spells clogged radiator if the gauge is working
My oil pressure thing reads way up near the top too with my new engine. At first I was worried, but now I like it.
My thoughts on it- Do put another gauge to check it, this way you know if the sender is bad also. Running in 30 degree temperatures on the highway like you said though spells clogged radiator if the gauge is working
My oil pressure thing reads way up near the top too with my new engine. At first I was worried, but now I like it.
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From: Maryland/D.C. Area
Temp gauge problem. what is normal op temp?
I currently have a very similar problem. pbstreetg has an important observation. Check your oil pressure guage too. If thats running high, then it is most likely the constant voltage regulator located underneath the dash. This unit regulates the voltage to both the water temp and oil pressure guages. In my case, I have an 84 351w HO with a new Jasper with only a few thousand miles. Everything in the cooling side was replaced by me, so there's no way the thing is overheating, yet for the past 3 weeks my oil and temp guages are far to the right. Three things tell me that the engine isn't overheating: the guages shift farther to the right when I turn my lights on, there is sometimes a light clicking noise under the dash when I'm driving which I think is the regulator itself, and I have driven miles with the water temp guage pegged and haven't blown the radiator cap. I have yet to locate this little thing under the dash, of course I don't get that light clicking noise when I decide to lie down and look under there, but I know its in there somewhere!Hope this info helps,
Tom
84 F150 4X4, 351w HO
Tom
84 F150 4X4, 351w HO
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Temp gauge problem. what is normal op temp?
Thanks for all the reccomendations. I guess I should have mentioned that with the new engine I had a new radiator, new hoses, new water pump, and new coolant, so again, i have a hard time thinking the engine is hot.
picked up a mechanical water gauge at Pep Boys. will install this weekend and find out the "real deal"
rick
picked up a mechanical water gauge at Pep Boys. will install this weekend and find out the "real deal"
rick
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