Temp gauge spikes then drops back.

[Alan1187]

This morning on the highway to work my temp gauge spiked to max for 8 seconds. As soon as I saw it I released the gas and shorty after it returned to normal. I noticed no smell and it did not happen for the next 8 miles. When I left work it did it again about 3 miles down the road but did not do it again over the next 37 miles of my trip. What could be causing this? I'm at 180k miles if that could give pointers to anything. 2002 ford explorer 4.0L

 

[swshawaii]

Sounds like a sticking thermostat if you're not leaking coolant. Original part @ 180K?

 

[Alan1187]

That would be my assumption. I got it at 130 and have not tampered with the cooling on the truck. I also have just discovered that I have air coming in from the glove box (the door is probably gone for the return air deal) which I only assume is not related.