Running Cool

[C420sailor]

98 XLT w/ SOHC motor. Stock thermostat replaced a few years ago. Radiator is pretty new, too.

Noticed lately that she is a little slow coming up to temp. And if I turn the heat on, the needle swings to the left a good amount.

Hooked up the OBD2 today. Ambient temp of 48°. While driving, heat on or off, she gets no warmer than 174°. Idling, 165-172°, depending on whether heat is on or off.

Should I throw a thermostat at it?

 

[Mbrooks420]

Not much else will overcool a motor. Check your fan clutch as well.

 

[974X4BLACKSPORT]

It's easy to check for a stuck open t-stat, beside the fact the engine may take a long time to warm up or not at all, just remove the radiator cap before cold start and watch for water flowing right away, if you see water flowing in the radiator right after the cold start, the t-stat is open (stuck).

 

[C420sailor]

Thanks guys. Totally forgot about the fan clutch.

 

[C420sailor]

Solved. Thermostat was sticking open. New stat fixed it.