running too cool?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
running too cool?
I have noticed after changing my coolant and adding two bottles of additive that my truck runs cooler. I drove it about 40 miles on highway yesterday in 90 degree texas heat,,, the indicator barely hit the N in normal on the guage. I just read the post on the 203 degree stat upgrade. Mine is a 97 ,,,,, does this sound like it's running too cool? I just bought the truck 3 weeks ago and assume that the stat is factory. Can anybody tell me where their truck runs normally on the factory guage?
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Lakewood, Washington
I'm in the same boat with my 97. Only when I'm towing will it get over the N in NORMAL otherwise it stays right on the N or just under depending on outside temp. When towing 11K it gets up to the O or R. It has been that way since day 1. I don't know the stock opening temp, but have heard good things of the 203. I may go that way when I need to change out, but will leave it alone for now since it ain't broke.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,903
Likes: 1
From: MICHIGAN
The gage in the dash isn't very accurate, you might want to get a better reading on the temp b4 fixing it. The 203 therm is a good mod tho, it will make the engine happy. Diesels like higher temps........to a point.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 530
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, Washington
might check your old thermostat on the stove top when you pull it out. My wife had a F150 with the 302 in it and got crappy mileage and little cab heat. Finally heard the complaint about cab heat and replaced the thermostat. After testing the old one, found out that it was stuck open. If the thermostat isn't operating properly, this won't allow the motor to reach normal operating temperature, affecting fuel mileage, amongst other things. Her temp gauge always ran towards the bottom until I replaced the
thermostat, then it ran like my 7.3, almost halfway up the gauge.
thermostat, then it ran like my 7.3, almost halfway up the gauge.
