engine temp gauge question

[LiKuiD]

in my 93', the engine temp gauge rarely ever goes above the C and has never gone to normal not even in the summer. now i just drove 140 miles yesterday and it moved about a millimeter-do i just need to replace the temperature sender? thanks

 

[Jason_25]

Nope replace the thermostat.

 

[LiKuiD]

is it necessary to replace it? or can i just leave it be

 

[Jason_25]

It's not a very tough job so I say do it. Plus your engine won't run efficiently because your ECU will stay in "loopback" mode the whole time, thus causing you to have poor gas mileage.

 

[mdrut]

replace it..they are cheap..can do it for under $10
Mine did the same several years ago.
What is happening, the thermostat is not closing for some reason. What COULD happen...The thermostat could correct itself and close, then not reopen..Then instead of running cold, it will over heat. I know this first hand.

Replace it..It is a cheap part and will only take a few minutes of your time to do.

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

I agree with replacing it but I would use a 180 degree thermostat vice the stock 198 degree. Warmth is good, heat is bad.

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by Diff Whack Daddy
I agree with replacing it but I would use a 180 degree thermostat vice the stock 198 degree. Warmth is good, heat is bad.

What will changing the thermostat to a 180 do to the computer sensors and control?

Thanks.....

 

[mdrut]

Depends...If you have the chip, and matched to the t-stat, performance will increase..MPG, HP, and response..
If you change to a 180 without the chip, the computer will think it is running cool all the time and adjust the mixture and timing accordingly. Fuel mileage may suffer alittle.

 

[LiKuiD]

funny that you mention gas mileage...so could this be the reast i get about 200miles per tank? i mean the mileage sucks in plain english...never thought about that hmmm...so replace it but whats the deal w/ the 180 vs the stock thermostat? also..does the thermostat affect you heat in a way that it would take about 20 min go get hot hot heat? yea im full of question hehe but thanks again

 

[mdrut]

Yes...It controls the heat. If it remains "OPEN", the coolant never has a chance to warm up. So, your engine is always "Cold"..This will make it run "RICH", more gas..poor fuel milage.
By changing from a 198 to a 180, it opens quicker and closes quicker..Meaning, the engine warms up, but does not run as hot...This "TRICKS" the computer into thinking the engine is warming up, but not at operating temperature. So it will still run "RICH", but not as "RICH" as it would cold.
Most of the aftermarket chips are set-up to correct this problem.
What it all boils down too...
180...motor runs cooler, MPG suffers alittle...
198...motor runs at temperature it was designed to run at....


Alittle side note...I am running the JET chip and Jet T-stat..Also have a couple of other engine mods. With the set-up I have, when I was at stock hieght and running stock tires, I was getting 20-22 MPG. I am also running 87 grade fuel, always, with no "PING". Many people say, with the chip you must run 92 grade fuel...I have never had too.

 

[karl_burns]

I love this site!!!!!!
I just mentioned to a buddy of mine that my temp guage never went above the C level unless I got on the highway. He mentioned I may have a busted thermostat. I've also been getting about 200 mpg like LiKuiD. How difficult is it to change the t-stat?
Thanks guys!
Karl


PS I'll be getting a chip in about three weeks. Should I wait till that time or go ahead and fix the problem now? In other words, can I use the same t-stat stock as with the chip?

KB

 

[LiKuiD]

i just picked up a new thermostat today...im putting it in tomrrow after i get home-ill let you know how it goes it looks/sounds pretty easy....

 

[LiKuiD]

yay its FINALLY in and i have heat now! all is good in the world

 

[oahrens]

Follow Up

Along these lines..I noticed a leak from the thermo after pressure testing the radiator. I inspected the thermo and noticed that there isn't a gasket???? I put some gasket goop on there and it still leaks. Is there supposed to be a gasket or does the rubber o-ring act as the gasket?

I'll find out when I look in the manual but I'm lazy tonite.

Thanks all