Idea on Coolant temp Sensor: Am I running THAT cold?!

[TIMSPEED]

My guage moves...but it seriously NEVER gets above the ¼ mark...I'm thinking maybe the sensor isn't the proper sensor my truck's guage...any ideas? I know I have a fan that runs all the time (belt-drive) but I mean, c'mon! With hot weather and 12º initial timing, SHOULDN'T it at least get to the half-way mark?!

[Zilverado]

I've had similar symptons on other vehicles when the thermostat went. They typically malfunction in the "open" position allowing coolant to flow freely as soon as the water pump is turning (avoids overheating from a "closed" thermostat). Since the coolant flows continuously, right from engine start-up, it takes much longer to reach operating temp - if it does at all.

Like I say, I've had this happen on some of my previous vehicles, with smaller engines. I don't know what our V-8's would do in this case.

Just some thoughts.

[KShortell]

Mine's been doing that a bit, too, as of late. But, since I put a new thermostat in it a year or two ago, it's not likely the thermostat. I do know that I need to replace the electrical connector to the temp sensor, though. The plastic clip has all disintigrated away and just the metal clip remains-- exposed to all the elements and such. Perhaps I even need a new temp sensor-- it is the original, you see.

The way I judge whether the engine is getting up to temperature or not is through the cabin heat-- if the heat isn't in the engine, it surely won't be blowing through your dash vents!

Good luck!

Kevin

[NeCrOmAnCeR]

When I used the factory gauge, it rarely got above the 3/8 mark, and that was in 29 Palms, CA during the summer. May want to borrow a IR thermometer to see how warm things really are.

[TIMSPEED]

Originally posted by NeCrOmAnCeR
When I used the factory gauge, it rarely got above the 3/8 mark, and that was in 29 Palms, CA during the summer. May want to borrow a IR thermometer to see how warm things really are.

Hmm, or turn my needle... The guage is definately working though, as when I touch the connector to a ground, the guage bounces all over the place...I think my sensor just isn't the proper one for my guage...

[Russell]

Mine was the same way, put a new thermostat in, and now it sits just below the halfway mark

[TIMSPEED]

Originally posted by Russell
Mine was the same way, put a new thermostat in, and now it sits just below the halfway mark

Hmm, what temp? I have I THINK a 180º in it...might have to take it out and put a 195º in it...either that, or change to a clutch-type fan, or an electric fan, so it warms up...

[Prerunner1982]

mine has always run just about the 1/4 mark... or the first mark on the gauge anyways. heck i thought that was normal, if it gets above that i worry. even with new thermo and 2 different engines...

[Russell]

Mine almost hit the 1/2 mark, and it had me pulling over to check it out. Nothing wrong that I could see, I didn't want to top the rad cap to make sure I wasn't running low on coolant, it soon dropped down a bit to a bit normal of a level, so I guess I'll check the rad after school and make sure she isn't loosing coolant again.

[Grim Reaper]

Both my 75 and 79 were just like that. The 75 runs cold on the trail. If it's 90's and I'm floging it and not really moving I might see near 3/8 if the gage.

The 79 with the A/C on would just hit half way if idling in traffic. Both had a 180 degree thermostat in them.

My 88 burb runs strait up almost all the time. strait up is marked on that truck as 210.

[76HighSierra]

My truck runs slightly less than the 1/4 mark, even towing during the hot New Mexico summers. 180 degree thermostat and four core rad likely have something to do with that, though.

[apstguy]

My truc runs slightly above the 1/4 mark. It almost hit the halfway mark when it started to overheat. That is when it dieseled when I turned it off.