1992 F150 XLT Lariat 4x4 5.0L

I was reading the thread about the e-fans (whatever those are) and I started thinking about my temp gauge. It never gets beyond the "O" in "NORMAL" and is usually haflway between the "N" and "O". I don't know if this is, pardon the pun, normal or not.

I've been told that Fords run a bit cooler than I'm used to. I've always driven Dodges and they tend to stay close to the middle of the gauge. I'm not too worried, but if my thermostat is stuck open my engine might not be running as well as it could.

 

That is exactly where my '93 302 runs. I have a 195 degree thermostat and mine runs right at the "O", Winter or Summer, AC on or Not.

 

That's good to hear. I just wasn't sure what the correct range is.

 

hmm... My truck, with both 302s ive had in it, run berween the R and the M..

 

anywhere in the "normal" but mainly around the "R" and "M". replace the sending unit, its somewhere on the top of the motor, or the thermostat, it could be stuck open. i have the same issue, it runs just below the "N" closer to that line. Get a Haynes or Chilton manual and it would help alot on finding sensors, or just check on here.

 

My truck also has a new Radiator, Thermostat, water pump and a fairly new engine rebuild.

 

When I purchased the truck, I was told the radiator and hoses were fairly new. They appear much cleaner than the rest of the engine so I'm inclined to believe that story. Naturally, I made the assumption the thermostat was changed at the same time as the upper radiator hose [I haven't looked at a Chilton's yet, but that's where I'd expect to find it]. To me, it's a bit of a no-brainer to change out when you change everything else; they're cheap and the area's exposed during the work anyway.

@benbailey84: I'll look for the sending unit. Is there a way to test whether or not it should be replaced or should I just replace it on general purpose? Once the weather warms just a bit, I'll take a look at the thermostat. I've had enough of those freeze up on the PoS Dodges I've driven (usually in the closed position) that I feel comfortable replacing it.

 

e-fan stands for electric fan. We all would like to see the needle in the middle, we used to calibrate gauges years back. In fact Ford gave us a tool for the job, with a listing of the different resistances needed for fuel, temp, and oil pressure gauges. But thats when instrument clusters were easy to R & R.

 

Buy a Laser Temperature Reader at Harbor Freight & Tool for less than $20. Aim it at the Thermostat housing & see what your real operating temp is.

 

I should have thought of that. I have one I use for my regular job.