Engine temp gauge acting up

[SouthernSAR]

I was stopped on a slight incline today when my truck beeped and displayed the "Check Gauges" message. I checked and my engine temp gauge was as for towrds the "hot" end as possible. The truck wasn't overheating from what I could tell so I gave it a little gas and the gauge went back down to normal operating temperature. I got home without further incident, checked my radiator fluid and noticed it was still wayyyyyyyy low (as it had been since I bought the truck). Filled it with water and put my new forum decal on, haven't driven the truck since.

My question is this- should I be worried about this, seeing as I couldn't find any leaks? Also, has this happened to anyone else?

PS- No CEL.

 

[ncranchero]

Why is the coolant always low? Leaking thermostat housing ........ or worse?

Sounds as if there was an air pocket and when you increased engine speed it forced coolant to circulate. You must be dangerously low on coolant! Better fix that or you'll be looking for an engine.

 

[SouthernSAR]

I'm not sure actually, my dad and I bought it with low coolant and it's been running fine on the low amount. I was going to add some but my dad it was fine (without checking levels... just assumption).

Anyways, I can't find any leaks anywhere, but I do need a new radiator cap and it seems there's a shoddy connection or something where the trans mates to the engine. That looks like it's leaking. Just in case though, I'll double check the thermostat housing. Where's that located?

Thanks!!
-Jared


Edit: Whoops, forgot to clarify- I did add more coolant, and I was definitely a lot lower than I thought... Kinda scared and hoping I haven't been slowly ruining my poor engine