Low engine temps

[mf7365]

This summer I replaced the front timing cover and while at it put in a new t-stat. Approximately 2 months later the t-stat went bad and the truck would not produce any heat and the gauge never got above the c. When I replaced it I also realized it was a 160' t-stat. So I put in another 180' t-stat but my issue is that the temp gauge still never gets more than 1/4 of the way up and on the highway it barely gets above being flatlined. So I'm not getting much heat. Would going to an oem motorcraft 195' t-stat change all this and get me some decent heat on the highway? I've got cardboard blocking the radiator right now to keep me from freezing when I'm on the freeway.

 

[my98nnj]

At 180, you should have heat. Even if the temp gauge is 1/4 up, you should have pretty good heat. Check to make sure the heater control valve is opening all the way, and that the heater core is not plugged. Has the system ever been flushed?

 

[Flash]

Put the correct temp thermostat in and make sure it's operating properly.
Check your blend door for correct operation.

 

[mf7365]

Im doubting its the blend door or heater core. The temp gauge will go to about 1/4, but never gets half way up. If I'm not moving the temp gauge moves up to that point, but as soon as I get above 60-70mph on the freeway the gauge starts dropping immediately. And sometimes it will drop down as soon as I get moving at all. I will get heat once it warms up and the needle gets to that 1/4 position, but it never really gets cranking like it did before were I needed to turn down or be sweat out. And that always seemed to be once the gauge hit half way and it just stayed there rock solid until the engine was shut off.

 

[Flash]

Has the fan locked up?

 

[mf7365]

What exactly do you mean by locked up? Does that mean it is not running at all or does that mean it is continually running?

 

[koda2000]

What exactly do you mean by locked up? Does that mean it is not running at all or does that mean it is continually running?

he means is it turning continuously. the fan has a clutch that stops (slows down/disengages the fan) when it's not needed. also, you should install the correct thermostat in your truck (190-195 degrees). if the fan clutch goes bad it can make the fan run all the time (usually creates a roaring sound when the engine is cold) or not spin when it's supposed to, causes overheating when stopped in traffic.

 

[SoNic67]

And that always seemed to be once the gauge hit half way and it just stayed there rock solid until the engine was shut off.

Get an OEM thermostat. I am all for 3-rd party parts, but the cheap Stant t-stat didn't work well in my Explorer.