Normal running temp... I have a question

[Mikes95XLT]

When I first bought my Ex, after driving it for the last two months, I noticed the temp gauge usually stays rather close to the C, like right on the first line, but nowhere in the long arching line to the H. Is this normal? Now that it's getting cold out, I want to make sure I get as much heat as I can.....

 

[Alec]

If the engine seems to be running well then you're fine. Some engines just run cooler, and it could be that your factory coolant gauge is a bit off. It could also be that someone installed a lower temp thermostat in your truck, I don't usually endorse this, but if you do have one and it's working, great.

If you can't get good heat though, then you might not be getting up to full operating temp and there could be problems. I'd just wait until the first few cold days and see what happens.

 

[Howard]

You can check the gauge by shorting the sensor wire to earth and the gauge should read full H. Could be thermostat stuck open or low temp unit. Or the sensor could be duff.

 

[Opera House]

Think you are quite cold

I had a thermostat pronlem and threw in a 180 that I had in the garage. It ran a little under mid scale in the summer but now that it is getting colder it just gets a little over the line some cool days. !'m going to be putting in a 192 soon. This is forcing your engine to run a little richer and could damage your cat over a long period. Some people run a colder one on purpose to eliminate a knock problem. Thermostats just have notorious problems in Explorers. Change it.

 

[AKJello]

My '95 did the same thing when I lived in Alaska...I really needed the heat. Replace your thermostat, it is stuck open. It only takes twenty minutes and it can't hurt to replace a 7 yr old thermo.

 

[Mikes95XLT]

Where can I get a replacement? And how hard is it to do yourself?

 

[b]

Try this...

Dead Link Removed

:smoke:

 

[VOATMJ1]

I had the SAME problem as you, the temp gage (from cold) would go up to about a quarter, and then drop into the cold range and would go no higher that the first line of the normal range, even at interstate speeds.

I had the thermostat changed yesterday with a 192/195, and all is well. The gage now stays in the quarter to half range, and the heat will actually burn your hands now from the vents!! Never did that before, only luke warm.

Here in Iowa, it gets COLD in the winter, and we are currently seeing temps going down some nights to about 28F. We have already seen our first snow showers 2 days ago. So, I need my heat. Change the stat, that is your problem.

 

[Mikes95XLT]

Where did you get it changed? And how much did it cost you?

 

[92KENNEY]

once again im putting in my two sense your gauge is probably stuck open and when you do replace it stay with factory specs running to cold will sludge your oil and cause premie parts failure and running to hot can cause total engine failure

 

[VOATMJ1]

Originally posted by Mikes95XLT
Where did you get it changed? And how much did it cost you?

I had my mechanic do it, the Stat was from Napa, $5.50, and labor was $30.00, so for $35.50, I now have raging heat from the vents and the temp gage now stays in the quarter to half range like it is suppose to.

My mechanic told me that the spring on the old stat was weak, and when cold it was fully closed and when warm, fully open no in between. Which explained the temp from cold going to the quarter mark, and then dropping like a rock back into the cold range and staying there. It now works properly.

 

[Mikes95XLT]

Someone told me that a radiator flush is recommended with the changing of the thermostat.... how do I know if I need a radiator flush???

 

[VOATMJ1]

It is a general consensus, that you flush and fill your antifreeze every two years. Take your cue from that. Or use a antifreeze tester to see what your freeze protection goes down to.

It really doesn't cost that much to flush your radiator, so if in doubt....do it!!

 

[danniexp]

I think you should change it yourself if you want to. On my V8 at least it was the easiest thermostat I have ever done. I change mine out for a 180, stays in the low end of the temp (just above1st line in normal) My exhaust smells normal, no fuel smell, I get BETTER gas mileage since the change, and still have plenty of heat on the cold days (43 the other day and I was burning up).
Took about 5 min to change, $6 in parts...... don't waste 30!

 

[Mikes95XLT]

If I don't need my radiator flushed I will be changing it myself...

The question is, how do I know if I need a flush or not?

 

[92KENNEY]

simplist way to tell if you definitly need a flush, is your fluid red? usually means that you have rust in the system

 

[92KENNEY]

simplist way to tell if you definitly need a flush, is your fluid red? usually means that you have rust in the system

 

[dwnthehatch]

I have the same problem in my 98 ohv. The temp only goes up when the AC is on full blast. If I have the heat on the gauge stays on COLD. I'll replace the thermostat this weekend and let everyone know how it turns out.

 

[VOATMJ1]

Don't use a MotorCrap one, that is the root of ALL of our problems.

My gage was staying in the cold range, until I had the thermostat replaced. I used a NAPA one. The heat works great now, and the gage reads midway as well. The heat get so hot now, you could bake a cake inside.

We just had our first real snow fall so far, 3.5 inches. I need my heat.

 

[dwnthehatch]

Problem solved. It took less than 1/2 hour to replace the thermostat and antifreeze on my 98 OHV. I used a 195 degree stant thermostat and new gasket. The part #'s are 13959 for the Stant thermostat and 35404 for the Fel-pro gasket.