Hi Ford fans: I just got a 1996 F250 XLT with the 460 (7.5L) Engine ,Auto Trans all stock , no mods.

The Temp Gage seems to give me Low Temp Reading, I mean the needle moves only about 1/4 of an inch and stays at the Low Normal Temp reading.
I drove yesterday in 85 degree weather for about 20 miles with the AC full blast.

My question is: Do I have a bad sensor or the 460 just needs more time to warm up?

Thanks for your help.

 

Ford gauges are all over the place. What is normal on a stock gauge is different from truck to truck. But if it is running in the normal range you are most likely OK. 460 don't run hot as a rule.

 

Maybe the previous owner put in a lower temperature thermostat or your sending unit is going bad.

 

You can't really trust the Ford gauge. Go to the store and buy yourself a candy thermometer. Take the radiator cap off. Put the candy temp gauge in the radiator and start the engine and let it warm up. If its not 180 then you need to put a thermostat in. The 460 will not run well at lower temps and the oil will build up acids if the temp isn't high enough to boil off the moisture in the oil. You definitely don't want acids in your oil as they will prematurely wear out the engine.

 

Getting one of the infrared temp guns is the best way to go and you end up with a valuble troubleshoot tool. Harbor Freight has them cheap.

 

I second the infra-red idea. I have used mine to verify oil cooler temps, balance tire pressures and adjust my brakes to equalize brake drum temperatures on my fifth-wheel camper.

Good stuff to have

 

My 460 had the same situation, the former owner had taken the t-stat out, engine would not warm up. I replaced the t-stat with the highest temp one available in AZ. It ran about mid range on the guage after that, more power and gas mileage after that. The warmer they can operate, the more efficient for mileage and heater use.

 

Thanks to all for the Feedback. I'll change the Thermostat and go from there.

Cheers!