Cool runnings

[bigjoe]

I did a search and couldn't find what I was looking for so I'm gunna ask ya'll. I have noticed that the temp guage hasn't gone about the L in normal. (except when I drive it hard.) ya'll think my t/stat is stuck open...or is this a normal temp for 40 deg weather???

BIGJOE

 

[philjw90SHO]

It depends on what type of motor you have, whether it be the 3.0 or 3.2, and the t-stat you have, whether it be the 3.0 180 degree or the 3.2 195 degree. If you have the 3.0 MTX then this is quite normal because of the lower temp t-stat but you might me a little concerned if you have a 3.2 ATX.

If the temp is somewhere in the low NORMAL range then it might just be that your t-stat spring is worn out so it lets a little coolant by.

Hope I helped. Have fun with the SHO!!

<small>[ December 11, 2002, 12:40 AM: Message edited by: philjw90SHO ]</small>

 

[BlackOnBlackATX]

Hey BIGJOE, this is normal, the SHO is a cool running engine, i have a new t-stat (just replaced it on thanksgiving day in the snow ) and i never go above "L", even in stop and go traffic i dont go above the "A". Some people's SHO's do run a little hotter as ive seen online. but yours is seemingly normal. If your t-stat was totally stuck open, your car would take a VERY long time to reach the normal range (which was my case) or wouldnt reach it at all. If youre in the lines that surround normal then youre fine. Hope this helps.
Bob

 

[bigjoe]

Thanks guys...My car heats up quickly, It just dosen't go very high...thanks for the advice.

BIGJOE

 

[DHMag]

bigjoe:
Thanks guys...My car heats up quickly, It just dosen't go very high...thanks for the advice.

BIGJOE

i recently replaced my radiator, t-stat (195 degree), refilled with new antifreeze. temp gauge stays below the "L" in this weather(in Texas), for the most part. so youre running cool. the prob i had was my cooling fan motor quit(unbeknownst to me), engine warmed up too much at idle, split the driver side radiator tank, temp gauge sky rocketed. since then (first of November), i opened up my cooling fan motor and replaced the brushes. its kinda jerry rigged but hey, it works *for now*. soon, ill get the right brushes put in.

EDIT - also, when i replaced the t-stat, i was going to flush the system but to my surprise, inside the block was EXCEPTIONALLY clean.....no antifreeze residue/corrosion...could still see the rough cast aluminum

<small>[ December 11, 2002, 03:47 AM: Message edited by: DHMag ]</small>

 

[93EmeraldMTX]

could you get better gas mileage running a 195 degree themostat in an MTX?

 

[DHMag]

93EmeraldMTX:
could you get better gas mileage running a 195 degree themostat in an MTX?

it is to my knowledge that the MTX requires the 195. i havent noticed and fuel mileage changes. then again, the t-stat i took out was a 195 as well

 

[sdpatt]

Ford originally equipped the 3.0L with a 180F (82C) thermostat and the 3.2L with a 190F (88C) part. You'd be wise to use the same temperature thermostat as originally provided.