questions about my new 00 V8 mounty; operating temp?

[lksdrinker]

I recently picked up a "new" 2000 V8 Mountaineer with about 80K on the odo (this is replacing my 92 Ex with 203K on the odo that I now need to junk/sell).

I've noticed that the temp gauge on the dashboard hardly climbs at all; even after the engine has been running for quite a while. My heat gets warm but I wouldnt say it gets extremely hot. Does this sound like my thermostat is stuck in the open position? Where does the stock gauge usually indicate normal operating temps? (ie does your gauge go halfway up; 3/4 of the way; etc?)


I've also been looking for some mudflaps for the truck. Ford says they have been discontinued and are no longer available. Does anyone know where I might be able to find some?

 

[Rarestace]

you can check ebay for a set of ford mud flaps

 

[budwich]

the "standard design" is for meters to operate "mid way" for normal functioning... makes it an easy "quick peak" to determine that everything is alright. The best way to check things is to read the "actual temp"... hopefully that is supplied thru the engine temp sensor and fed to the computer.... a "live data" display thru odb would do it. From there it would depend on what you see. If the "live data" looks good, then your instrument temp sensor is bad. If the "live data" looks "not so good", then odds are you have a thermostat problem.

 

[lksdrinker]

any easy way to get the live data display through obd port? I have an obd/check engine scanner but I dont think that gives the actual temp readings.

 

[budwich]

well my "$30" elm interface plugs onto my lap top (usb) and with freeware reads a "few live datas" (including temp)... but that probably not going to help you much. So, you are left with the "next best"... the good old "read the resistance" of the sensor and check it against the "resistance vs temp" tables that are around to see if they "agree".... kind of like a "manual ODB"... or finally, I guess you could just change out the thermostat and hope that it resolves it. Maybe the cheapest / easiest way to get to the end point. Having said that, you can throw a "ground" on the wire going back to the meter and see if your meter "roofs" (should), then you at least know that the wiring / instrument "stuff" is functioning.

 

[CDW6212R]

I would suggest replacing some things or watching things that are prone to issues with long storage or lack of driving. With that low mileage I would pay close attention to the brake calipers for sticking or odd pad wear. The T-stat may be sticking a little due to some corrosion. Anything which can be affected by lack of regular driving is suspect. Not driving a vehicle can be much more harmful than normal driving, and that includes short trips.

These trucks are very reliable, but typical things can cause issues, like neglect or lack of use.

You should be able to find a parts store with a good enough scanner that will display the coolant temps. Most will do scans for free, so find one that will pull that temperature data. Changing the T-stat would be good maintenance, as would doing the belt and three idler pulleys(bearings).

I'd do a full tune up and see how it does. R&R the coolant, and use Water Weter with as little antifreeze as your location needs. Distilled water works better as a coolant than antifreeze, so less is best.

WTTB's

 

[OneLever]

Regarding your thermostat questions the following links contain information that may help you.

Link 1

Link 2

Link 3