turbopseidon

I have a 96 f150 5.0 and I just put a rebuilt motor in it.. When it's running at normal it's sitting just below the N of normal... I used a thermal gun on the thermostat housing and it was around 148 F and I know it should be normally between 180 and 220 F so is this normal or bad? Thanks in advance.

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

That's low. Ford engineered it to run at it's peak efficiency at 192. Sounds like maybe your thermostat isn't closing ?
Thermostat should hold coolant back till it reaches proper temp and then open to allow it to be cooled.
You're probably using a lot of extra fuel and getting sluggish performance.

turbopseidon

Should my fan be turning all the time? Or just when its hot.

Crownman

That fan will always turn some because thee is a little drag on the fan clutch even when it's not engaged.

turbopseidon

I'm going to put in another thermostat tomorrow and see what happens.

turbopseidon

Put a new 180 in and it sits between the N and the O now.

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

That's better; Ford calls for a 192.