Running too cool
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,358
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From: Nebraska
Running too cool
My truck isn't heating up quite like it should. On cool days, it will run 160-165 degrees tops. If I cover half of the radiator with cardboard it heats right up to where it should be. I don't think it's the thermostat since I've replaced it twice thinking that was the problem. Any suggestions?
1986 F-150 4x4 300 I6 NP435
1986 F-150 4x4 300 I6 NP435
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 119
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From: Dryden Canada
Running too cool
I've heard of this problem before, and the answer in the past was the thermostat was changed and installed backwards. It sounds silly, but this is the most common answer to the problem I've heard of. Make sure the long end goes into the engine block ... the more cone shaped side goes into the T-stat housing. My manual only lists two other possibilities ... a faulty temperature guage and a faulty thermostat. Check to make sure it's oriented correctly. Don't feel dumb if you did happen to put it in backwards ... I've heard of mechanics doing it too. 
Chris in Canada
74 Gran Torino Brougham ... the toy
84 F150 2WD ... the driver
Chris in Canada
74 Gran Torino Brougham ... the toy
84 F150 2WD ... the driver
New User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3
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Running too cool
On the back of the block there is a sensor that connects up to the temperature guage, it might be going out. i had something simular happen to the sensor for the oil presure where i thought i had my oil pump going out. make sure you can locate that piece first, its a tight spot.
Warren from Tx
ford F150 2WD 300 I-6
Nice Truck, no money to specialize.
Warren from Tx
ford F150 2WD 300 I-6
Nice Truck, no money to specialize.
More Turbo
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 655
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Running too cool
Thermostats wear out. They stick open. Change to a fresh thermostat in addition to checking all your wires. When was it changed last? It is an annual maintenance thing to change the thermostat with me along with the worn out antifreeze.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,358
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From: Nebraska
Running too cool
Thermostat was replaced in December. I added a mechanical temperature guage a couple weeks ago (Yes that is a tight place), which also reads low. It will heat up like it should if I cover the radiator, but then it overheats if I have a strong tailwind.
1986 F-150 4x4 300 I6 NP435
1986 F-150 4x4 300 I6 NP435
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,172
Likes: 4
Running too cool
Let me ask you this , What temp thermostat do you have installed ? If its a 160 deg , then its running where it should be . Is the problem you are not getting enough interior heat ?
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New User
Joined: Mar 2001
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Running too cool
I thought others have said the 194 deg stat is the correct one. Which is right 160 or 194?
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,172
Likes: 4
Running too cool
Different engines require different temp thermostats . Efi engines should have the 192 Deg thermostats . Older carberated engines can use thermostats with lower temps such as the 160 to 180 deg range .
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