Coolant temp too low
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Senior User
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Coolant temp too low
my temp gauge never goes past low really or just a lil bit past it i have mr gasket radiator cap temp guage and it reads around 90- 100 even after i drive the truck for a while and it never overheat that i could tell the trucks been like this since i got it i cant figure it out ive replaced the coolant temp sender i live in vegas so do u guys got anyideas
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Maricopa, AZ
I agree with StealhWyvern. My first guess is to make sure that the engine has a functioning thermostat in it, that is the correct temperature range for the vehicle.
It's very possible that your thermostat, (if it is installed) is stuck in the open position, and if not, it's possible that it opens at a temperature that is too low.
I just looked up the thermostat and gasket for the 94 F150 5.8, and it calls out a 192 degree thermostat for this truck. (both MFI, and EFI engines) For under $10.00, you can get the thermostat, and gasket, at autozone (or competitor) and rule out the thermostat.
If you had to replace the radiator recently, I suspect that the previous owner may have had cooling problems, and either put in the lower temp thermostat (180 degree), or removed it entirely, thinking that would be good for the truck in the desert.
It's very possible that your thermostat, (if it is installed) is stuck in the open position, and if not, it's possible that it opens at a temperature that is too low.
I just looked up the thermostat and gasket for the 94 F150 5.8, and it calls out a 192 degree thermostat for this truck. (both MFI, and EFI engines) For under $10.00, you can get the thermostat, and gasket, at autozone (or competitor) and rule out the thermostat.
If you had to replace the radiator recently, I suspect that the previous owner may have had cooling problems, and either put in the lower temp thermostat (180 degree), or removed it entirely, thinking that would be good for the truck in the desert.
Last edited by Beastly; Feb 11, 2009 at 05:09 AM. Reason: added info about thermostat temp ranges
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2007
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I agree with StealhWyvern. My first guess is to make sure that the engine has a functioning thermostat in it, that is the correct temperature range for the vehicle.
It's very possible that your thermostat, (if it is installed) is stuck in the open position, and if not, it's possible that it opens at a temperature that is too low.
It's very possible that your thermostat, (if it is installed) is stuck in the open position, and if not, it's possible that it opens at a temperature that is too low.
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Senior User
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thanks for the help i got the truck from the cousin from san diego im gonna buy a new t stat and gasket today, i hap to replace the radiator because one day it got a hole in it somehow that couldnt be repaired
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Joined: Jan 2009
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I have the same issue after installing a new thermostat just days ago.
I'm going to try putting a new one in today and ill let you know what happens.
I'm going to try putting a new one in today and ill let you know what happens.
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From: Trenton, MI
question
is heat core's hose from water pump are hot?
My truck did same thing that gauge still stay low but hose are so hot to touch. Bad ground?
is heat core's hose from water pump are hot?
My truck did same thing that gauge still stay low but hose are so hot to touch. Bad ground?
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From: Trenton, MI
First heat core hose are start get hot then few min then hose for radiator to block start moving coolant.
I say close to 195-200oF but it more hot than my 79 F150 that have bad thermostat won't shut full.
but watch gauge I say it moving no more than 1/16 it would stop at near C to white mark that show me it around 120oF-130oF but when touch hose it not that cold it more hot hot.
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Joined: Jul 2001
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From: MD
Checking heater hoses isn't a guaranteed diagnose. I'd check all areas of the radiator, all hoses, and judge. Like everyone else says, check the status of the thermostat. My '97 had a stuck thermostat, but the heater still works great. Some thermostats (especially if it's still a factory thermostat) has a small hole to let the coolant pass through if it's stuck closed. This still circulates the coolant through the water pump, heater hoses, and the hole on the thermostat to the upper radiator hose.