Temp Gage

[Shaguardriver]

I am looking for some help in trouble shooting my temp gage before I just give up on it and install a new gage (After market).

Back Story 1990 DRW 2wd
T stat went out on the way home when I bought it/ Gage worked fine normal to HOT+Engine light (I like more warning)

After new t stat and not reinstalling the check ball/ 11pm at my friends house (I was showing him my new truck)

Drive home stat worked fine just low on temp.

Then for a few weeks it would bounce on the low range/ Burped system again then now the stat is stuck on COLD.

Now it is not moving even going up hills with a load.

Also I am looking for even a bad manual for my truck Haynes or chiltons but all I am finding is one for the gas engine.

Thanks in advance

 

[david85]

Why did you not reinstall that check ball? Where did you get your thermostat?

Situations like this are where a small IR pocket thermometer comes in handy. Just point and shoot to get an independant reading.

Sounds like your gauge is reading accurate and the engine is overcooling.

 

[Shaguardriver]

I did not reinstall the check ball due to the fact that the check ball was not in good shape. Plus at 11 pm I chose to close the incision and drive home 40 plus miles since I had to be at work in the morning.

As for the T stat it is not a mororcraft Just a $25 one from the late night parts store. I will see if I have the box in the garage. I might just have to invest in a new IR temp gage

 

[fuzzy1626]

You may need to invest in a Motorcraft thermostat. The two parts you will hear most people say Motorcraft only, are thermostat and glow plugs.

 

[david85]

A thermostat from an International Harvester dealer will also work and in some case can be slightly cheaper than going to ford. Generic T stats rarely work right with these engines, and I did come close to overheating my truck before I knew any better. Also, you need to find a replacement for that check ball. I used an old 5/16 hard rubber check ball from an auto tranny. Seems to still work several years later.

 

[OLDBULL8]

By all means you need that check ball, it's very important for the circulation of the coolant. Any old t'stat will not work correctly either, it must be the LONG STEM, only Motorcraft or an IH t'stat will work correctly, unless you go to the new 203* t'stat you can get from DieselSite.

Check the wire connection on the temp. sensor, may be loose.

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[david85]

........ unless you go to the new 203* t'stat you can get from DieselSite.

Could you elaborate? Are they any good? I'm wondering if that could be a way to get some extra MPGs since the motorcraft stats always seem to run a little on the cool side for me.

 

[jim_22]

This is most certainly a T-stat problem. It is not a bad idea to install an additional after market gauge anyway because this allows a calibration of the factory gauge. I know when mine is on the second leg of the N that I am at 194, etc.

 

[Shaguardriver]

Is the Ford dealer the only place that will sell a Motorcraft t-stat? I will make a few calls today.

 

[david85]

Ford or international unfortunately. Autoparts stores will not carry them.

 

[Shaguardriver]

Just an update.... After replaceing my drivers window motor and starting to lay out the mechanical temp gage. The factory gage decides to start working............On to the Pyro....... It is still 1,000,000 times better than a new truck payment