87 bronco heat issue
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Harrisburg, SD
87 bronco heat issue
My bronco never seems to get up to normal temp. It just sits at 1/3 of the gauge. I have a 190 thermostat in it and have cardboard covering my radiator directly. Any ideas why my cooling system is working too well?
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
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From: Gateway to the West
I guess the question is, "Does the heat in the truck work well or not?" If the heater isn't putting out good heat you may want to make certain the system is full. And by full I mean check the level at the radiator. The system can get low enough that it will not siphon from the reservoir so the level in it may not be accurate for the entire system. Best to check at the radiator to be certain. (Engine cold, cap off, start, top off, warm up til t-stat opens, top off again (if necessary) and replace cap, run to op. temp.,re-check at reservoir)
If the system IS developing good heat output, the next question, "Is the gauge correct?" The factory gauge is triggered by a thermistor (thermal resistor) that changes its resistance value as it heats up. It also doesn't remain perfect over time. Resistors lose value over time. My suggestion would be to get a mechanical gauge and make certain there is truly a problem with the system and not just the gauge/sending unit.
If the system IS developing good heat output, the next question, "Is the gauge correct?" The factory gauge is triggered by a thermistor (thermal resistor) that changes its resistance value as it heats up. It also doesn't remain perfect over time. Resistors lose value over time. My suggestion would be to get a mechanical gauge and make certain there is truly a problem with the system and not just the gauge/sending unit.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 598
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From: Harrisburg, SD
The heat in the truck does not work as well as it should. I have triple checked the coolant level, running warm and after the t-stat opens. The cap is new. I think part of my problem could be behind the dash, some door or something is open when it shouldnt be. Driving down the road I have to constantly switch between defrost and panel heat settings. I have put a new blower motor in it also. I dont think the engine is getting up to temp. I will do the mechanical gauge soon, I think I have one in the garage somewhere. My needle on the factory gauge gets almost to the N or NORMAL just an observation
