How to read 77 temp gage?

[npk]

Just bought a 77 f150. I have attached a pic of the temp gage. Can anyone tell me approximately the temp that is showing? The 1st thousand miles I drove the truck it was steady at 1/4 to1/3 inch hotter than the pic. It just started running cooler for some reason. Just want to get a reference so I know whether it is running too cool now or too hot before


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[SuperCab]

190-200 degrees if I had to guess. Looks normal.

 

[npk]

Thank you sir. My guess is the truck had been parked for a while. The tstat might not have been opening much. Think I will replace it anyway


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[SuperCab]

I've seen many stuck thermostats... Couldn't hurt to replace it.

 

[5.0Flareside]

When you buy a new thermostat always test it before putting on.. Put a pot of water on the stove and heat it up and make sure the thermostat opens at the temp it's supposed to.


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[m78]

Best thing to do is add an aftermarket gauge. AND a manual oil pressure gauge.

 

[SuperCab]

True, but the stock gauges do work.

Chris is right though, its not a bad idea to test before you install. When your thermometer in your pot of water shows 190 or whatever, you should see the thermostat opening... Then you know it's good.

 

[fatherdoug]

Also, make sure you get the RIGHT thermostat. If it is a 351m/400, parts houses will sell you a thermostat for the engine, but it is generally NOT the right application. Got to flowkooler.com to get the correct thermostat for your truck. They are spendy, but well worth it.

 

[npk]

When it comes to t stats I only buy from the dealer. Failsafe has failed me too many times


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[fatherdoug]

I've gotten the wrong thermostat from the dealer before, too. The key is to know what the thermostat looks like. I ordered one for a 351M/400 and got one for a 351W. You need to have one that will close off the internal bypass when it opens.

 

[npk]

Good advice. I had a failsafe lock completely open on a Cherokee........two in a row. Third time was the charm. That's when I decided to send the extra ten bucks and buy from the dealer. The Cherokee would never approach operating temp


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[Mil1ion]

Use a candy thermometer in the boiling water.

Make the t-stat is 180* or hotter.......192* or 195* is recommended.
Because the gauge readings are determined by ground out vs 5 volt pulse...any type of corrosion on the S/U,gauge connection areas will alter gauge readings.
Usually showing a lower reading than normal.

 

[Workin' Rig]

Thats where mine runs when warmed up...

 

[ArizonaSolarImages]

302 1974 T stat

I was about to buy a new T-stat for my motor anyone have link to the correct one for this motor?

 

[Fellro]

Good advice. I had a failsafe lock completely open on a Cherokee........two in a row. Third time was the charm. That's when I decided to send the extra ten bucks and buy from the dealer. The Cherokee would never approach operating temp


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That is essentially the selling point on the Fail Safes... they are designed to lock open if (when) they fail. I will agree it is better than sticking closed, but at the rate of failure you were seeing, hardly makes them a good deal.