can anyone tell me what the normal water temp. is for a 7.3 idi? (in degrees f, not between the "o" and "r" on normal. i recently swapped an '89 7.3 & zf5 speed into my '76 crew cab and installed a custom dash panel & guages and even though i own a couple of idi's i'm not sure what temp. "normal" is.

 

p.s. i'm running between 190 and 210 empty depending on outside temp and driving conditions .

 

Yep, Thats right where mine runs. 200 down the interstate with the a/c on, maybe 210 if I am pushing it and the Florida humidity is up. Rarely over 195 in town stop and go driving.

 

At 220 the vehicle would be overheating at 230 the vehicle becomes inoperable.

 

I am running 190-200ish.

 

180-190 always runs cool. 180 ford t-stat.

 

Now for the rest of the story...........

Diesel engine coolant temperature at the top of the radiator where hose attaches after high rpm or under load condition for 20 minutes should be (195-237*F) 91-114*C nice time to have a temperature reading point and shoot tool.

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CAUTION:
The specified/required thermostat does not contain an internal bypass, since the bypass is located in the cylinder block. Whenever the thermostat is replaced, it is mandatory that only Motorcraft E5TZ-8575-C or Navistar 1807974C94 thermostat be installed.

CAUTION:
Do not attempt to repair any thermostat. It should be replaced if it is not operating properly.

Check the new thermostat before installing it for correct opening temperature. Before suspending in boiling water, with a flashlight check where the rubber and the flat metal flange meet for bad seal. Tstat should start to opening barely at 180-192f, fully open 200-212f, allow to cool and check for rubber seal again.

Removal: Disconnect batteries, drain 4+ gals A/F, remove: as required, fan belt, alternator set aside, alt bracket, remove filter support from fuel filter then e/block. Disconnect upper rad hose at rad, remove tstat bolts and housing. Clean both faces, depression and holes in block, ensure check ball in goosekneck is clean, free and rattles "do not remove".
Installation is reverse proceedure, I do not use sealant on gaskets and faces. REMEMBER the tstat pellet(copper end) goes into the block. I do use a "very small amount" of sealant on the edge of the tstat face when installing into the recess, now go for coffee, allow sealant to setup, this has saved me from tstat slippage when the gasket and goosekneck are installed. Replace all items in reverse order......

Manifold bolt torque......... 20ftlbs

 

thanks guys, that put my mind at ease, i thought 190-210* is where it should be, but it's better to know for sure.

 

Better get the Ford thermostat. I found out the hard way after getting 2 from advance auto parts. I bought the first one and after the housing broke they replaced it with another one. The truck (1987 F250 6.9 extended cab non turbo) always ran cold between the cold line and the "normal". I run vegi so I need the heat which I wasn't getting. After buying the Ford thermostat, which came with the gasket, the temp is consistantly between the n"O-R"mal. Vegi is now running fine. I tried International since it is one or their engines but they said they no longer carry the thermostat.