96 Running a bit hot

[FoSHO14]

I recently purchased a '96 with 132xxx which is all mechanically and electrically sound except for sunroof motor and possibly overheating/sticky Temp gauge. I was wondering if there was a defect or some other excuse as to why the Temp gauge is showing the car running rather hot when i shouldn't be. Checked the engine coolant and looked to be at the appropriate level, the car seemed to run and idle just fine. The engine did seem to feel a little hotter than it should be, but again, I'm a noob with this specific vehicle and its minor bugs. As this is my first V8 SHO and only personal experience I've had with one, any tips and/or tricks would be greatly appreciated.

Looking to get some knowledge

P.S. I will be making my way to St. Louis by the end of the summer to get the cams welded, assuming thats not too long of a wait.

 

[SHOZ123]

First thing to check is do both fans work? Turn on the engine with the AC on, the fans should both run on hi. Next is it the original coolant tank and cap? If so replace.

 

[FoSHO14]

Thanks for the tip, sadly before i had the chance to try it last night, the belt for the water pump snapped and im pretty sure it has a busted radiator now. Its sitting at a Ford dealership right outside my home town. Anyone know how much it costs to replace a cooling system on the V8 SHOs?

 

[SHOZ123]

If the dealer is doing it I bet ~$500. Better get new hoses too. You could do it for~ $200 and the PITAness.

 

[FoSHO14]

Sadly, I dont have the area or the time to do it myself, so its being done by the dealer. Ironically, Ford doesnt make water pumps for the 96-99 models either, so the dealer had to locate one from Florida and you were right, about $500 is how much I have to dump into it. Good news is, by pulling over and shutting off the car when i did has prevented me from locking up the engine.

 

[SHOZ123]

It's not an easy job the first time either.