Correct Thermostat setting

[gto78]

According to my tester, the engine is taking a LOOOONG time to reach operating temp at idle, and never goes above 190. Also, when it's at 190 and then you step on the gas, the temp instantly drops 5 degrees. Sounds to me like the thermostat is partially stuck open, if not fully open.

 

[Lt.Jim]

that sounds like a good guess. For the $6 a new one costs it is worth a try.

 

[CDW6212R]

Which V6, the SOHC thermostat costs over $20. I special ordered one from OReilly's, a Motorad Failsafe thermostat. Those cannot fail closed, they can only fail open.

Mine is running about 190 currently with the cooler temperatures. As the heat gets above 70 degrees or so, I expect it to run a little hotter, I have an electric fan. Good luck,

 

[trucku]

I paid like $9 for my thermostat for my 02 from Pepboys oh yeah $1 and change for the gasket. It was also stock temp spec.

operating temp is about 196-198 consistently regardless of outside temp. It rarely sees 200-202 and comes down immediately (Scanguage readings this winter).

 

[gijoecam]

Which V6, the SOHC thermostat costs over $20. I special ordered one from OReilly's, a Motorad Failsafe thermostat. Those cannot fail closed, they can only fail open.

Mine is running about 190 currently with the cooler temperatures. As the heat gets above 70 degrees or so, I expect it to run a little hotter, I have an electric fan. Good luck,

Umm, the OEM SOHC thermostat costs $13 from Ford and includes a new o-ring for the housing.

As for the problem, it definitely sounds like the thermostat is not fully closing and is slow to open (if it's opening any more than it started with).


-Joe