Running temp of 66 mustang

[Anonymous]

Hi all, I thought I had a prob with my temperature of my 200ci 66' mustang. I just got the temp of engine and rad checked while running at nearly H on the dial in the dashboard. And I was surprised to find the rad was about 65 and the thermostat housing was about 80º.. Does anyone know what the normal running temp should be.... I'm think there is something wrong with the gauge sender now, rather than anything else...
Thanks all

 

[Anonymous]

Umm, where are you at? Are those values in Celsius? The engine and radiator should be somewhat near the thermostat temperature, 180 or 195 F.

-Dan in Atlanta

 

[Anonymous]

I'm in ireland......temp is 175-185 do you think the dial should be up to 3/4 H on the dash at this temp.. because it goes up further in traffic to very close to full H
Thanks

 

[MustangSix]

with a 180 thermostat (82 C) 175-180 is a normal range. That should display on the gauge as something in the middle of the gauge.

If the gauge is acting oddly, you may have other things to check. First would be the wiring and connections to ensure they are secure. Next, inspect the Instrument Voltage Regulator. It's a small metal can screwed to the back to the instrument panel just above the fuel gauge. If it starts to go bad it can cause your fuel, oil, and temp gauges to read too high or too low. Finally, inspect or replace the sending unit. Those can go bad as well, giving improper readings.

 

[Anonymous]

i have a 160* thermostat and it runs cold. not sure of actual temp but my needle barely moves once warm. is that too cold? what would it affect? jw

 

[69.5Mav]

asimmons04
Get a dial indicator kitchen thermomature from your local grosery store. It's cheap and easy to use and calibrate. To check calibration just stick it in a pot of vigerously boiling water at sea level and leave it till it stops increasing, it should read 212 f degrees. To test your coolant temp. just put it in the feller hole of your radiator, run the engine and let everthing reach equilibrium.
When changing the thermistat both surfaces of the thermistat housing must be completely clean to get a good seal otherwise it will leak and run cold. I use purple scotch bright wheels that chuck into a drill motor that I buy at Krgens auto parts store to clean the surfaces.

Good Luck
69.5mav