5.0's normal operating temperature?

[chinx]

hey guys,

i have a '97 v8

i was wondering what's the normal operating temperature for the motor. i replaced my thermostat in december 'cuz it was stuck open and the truck was running real cold all the time. it was fine afterwards

when fully warmed it, is the temp needle supposed to be exactly in the middle? now it seems to be about a third of the way up. is this normal or ok?

 

[aldive]

To get an accurat temperate reading, hook up an OBD II scanner and monitor.

Good luck .....

 

[TheJMan]

My 5.0 usually runs between 190 and 210F depening on how hard I run it. That's with a 195 thermostat.

 

[410Fortune]

Agreed, my Explorer 5.0L ran at 205-210 normally.
My BII with the 5.0L in it runs between 190 and 210 depending on how it is driven and the temp outside.

both fitted with 195 thermostats and the stock fan.