Normal temperature for 400?
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Normal temperature for 400?
What is the normal operating temp for a 400? My gauge usually reads between the "M" and "A" in the "NORMAL". It does not overheat, even standing at idle for extended periods or in stop & go traffic. I'm thinking of installing a Perma-cool electric fan, the 14" or 16" in front of the radiator. I have the 3 row max cool Modine radiator, but I think Modine makes an even larger one. Hopefully the electric fan will cool it down enough. Thanks!
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From: Virginia
Normal temperature for 400?
Are you sure your guage is right? The several ford cars and
trucks I've had seem to run around the "O". If you watch it
in the winter time the needle will swing up to the "O" and then
drop down. It will do this several times till it settles down
a little bit above the "O". From this I'm assuming the "O" is
the thermostat temperature which is around 190-195 degrees.
trucks I've had seem to run around the "O". If you watch it
in the winter time the needle will swing up to the "O" and then
drop down. It will do this several times till it settles down
a little bit above the "O". From this I'm assuming the "O" is
the thermostat temperature which is around 190-195 degrees.
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From: Gravel Switch, KY
Normal temperature for 400?
I would say the factory water temp gauge is no more accurate than the factory oil pressure gauge, which is little more than an idiot light. If you are concerned about your engine temp, I would first install a mechanical guage or an electric one with a sending unit to find out exactly what temp you are running.
DannyP
89 F-150 4x4 former EFI I-6 now carbed 351W, Edelbrock heads,cam,intake,carb.
MSD 6A, ZF, Sterling 10.25 with 3.55L's.
DannyP
89 F-150 4x4 former EFI I-6 now carbed 351W, Edelbrock heads,cam,intake,carb.
MSD 6A, ZF, Sterling 10.25 with 3.55L's.
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Normal temperature for 400?
When I changed to a 195 degree thermostat from a 180 the pointer now points between the m and a. If the temperature is not increasing during extended idle or in stop and go traffic the radiator is dissipating all the heat it needs to. Once the thermostat closes the temperture won't go down any more. Without commenting on the gage quality, if the pointer is in the normal range, by definition that temperature is normal.
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Just when you think you are alone with your woes. . . I have this same issue with temperature. I have a 79 camper special with 400, C6 and usually the gauge reads at about O but if I stop for extended periods it can climb right to the edge of the NORMAL range. I contacted bubbaf250 and he stated that as long as the vehicle stays in the normal range then thevehicle is not overheating. I feel your pain because I had an 86 half ton, I always feel more manly driving a 3/4 ton for some reason, and all I changed was the thermostat and the temperature was rock solid from then on. I hate always watching my temperature gauge, fearful that the needle is going to cross the line. All these suggestions have been solid, now all I have to do is actually get off the couch and do something about it
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Drop a thermometer like the HVAC guys use into the radiator top tank. Figure it is ~10°F cooler there than in the engine. A good normal engine should run about 200-230°F If it is higher than that I would start to look for a cause. Your Instrument panel voltage regulator loosing it's ground connection can cause your dash gauges to read high.
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From: Montana Territory
I've installed a mechanical water temp gauge, and found it to give the same reading as the factory gauge.
I've also installed a 3 core Modine Super Cool aluminum radiator, and a 160 degree t-stat. Technically the engine runs in the safe range, but would be considered low for daily driving. This is my highway truck, and it runs right up to the R-M-A range on the gauge at highway speeds. I see nothing wrong with your settings, you will actually have a longer life out of your engine, because the hotter temperatures will eliminate carbon buildup in the combustion chambers, which will eliminate hot spots, and detonation / pre-ignition.
hope that helped...
I've also installed a 3 core Modine Super Cool aluminum radiator, and a 160 degree t-stat. Technically the engine runs in the safe range, but would be considered low for daily driving. This is my highway truck, and it runs right up to the R-M-A range on the gauge at highway speeds. I see nothing wrong with your settings, you will actually have a longer life out of your engine, because the hotter temperatures will eliminate carbon buildup in the combustion chambers, which will eliminate hot spots, and detonation / pre-ignition.
hope that helped...
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