Does my THERMOSTAT need medication?

[TroyZ]

Or do I? Because as I was driving home on the freeway last night, my temp gauge was moving from the N to the high side of M, then back down and up again--in a steady but noticeable rate. This happened the whole trip home. Is this symptomatic of air in the system? Or is it the sending unit? Or the thermostat? I recently replaced my clutch fan, and the temp gauge usually stays down around the N--even when towing in the Sierras.

In fact, this past weekend, the truck ran abnormally hot while trailoring my HobieCat up to Tahoe--soemthing it has never done before. I even put the heater on to take off some extra heat--never pleasant to do when it is already 90+ outside. I checked the fluid levels, and all looks ok. Oil was recently changed, as was the filter.

So, should I make an apointment with the psychiatrist or the parts counter? (My wife says the first!!)

Dazed and confused,

Troy

 

[Goober]

Just guessing, I'd say it sounds like your thermostat is sticking and it takes more pressure to get it to open( maybe why the needle is moving). Anyway it is an inexpensive item and it won't hurt anything to try. I always opt to try the inexpensive items first, just my .02.

 

[TroyZ]

I've read on this board about different temperature settings (some higher and some lower) any recommendations before I hit the parts store?

 

[AgExplorer]

Check the OEM recommendation for the thermostat. Most require a 195 degree one. You may also want to replace your radiator cap. Again, check the OEM recommendation. It should/may be on the cap if you are still using the original one. My '95 uses a 16# one. You will probably have to ask for it because the ones they have on the rack at Pep Boys, etc. are 13#'ers.

 

[Jeff]

Troy,

Wives just don't understand the truck thing or the 3 Stooges. You can drop the wife off at a shrink and pick her up after your trip to the parts store.

I had the same heat problem you described and it was the T stat. I went with the Stant 195 and at the same time replaced the cap. OEM was #16 and so was the Stant.

A couple of hours later and it ran fine. Good luck.