Hey, guys. Back with another question that may or may not be an actual problem, more just advice and opinion. So, short version is my 2.5 hardly gets over 180*F, even running in stop and go traffic. Not to mention it takes nearly 3 or 4 miles to get UP to that 180*. It's been in the high 70 to low 80's here recently, so I'd assume it should be warming up faster along with running a bit warmer.

My brother's '89 has the 4.0 and happily runs at 195-210* all day long, but I can understand it'd run warmer since it has two extra cylinders. Really, I just wanna know if this seems normal to you guys. I come home from work at around 4AM when it's 40-50* outside and I rarely have seen it get over 170*

 

I'm not at all familiar with the 2.5 or what normal operating temperature is but I imagine it's the thermostat keeping things in the 170º-180º.

 

.....if it even has a t-stat installed. ......but then it may have a 160 or a 180 stat. If the gauge is correct, it for sure does not have a properly functioning 195 stat.

 

The purpose of a Tstat is to bring the temp to operating temp and MAINTAIN that temp. A properly funtioning cooling system should cause the motor to run at operating temp, at all temps. Temps BELOW freezing can be an issue, thats why Big rigs cover the radiator in the winter.

 

I know it does have a T-stat installed since I remember we replaced it before, but I think that was a couple years ago. I don't remember what degrees it was, but I know one is in there. Either it's a rather low temp unit or maybe it's failed and stuck open?

 

Might want to check/test what's in there before next winter. A infrared temp gun pointed at the stat cover will verify if your gauge is telling the truth.

Where 'bouts is the needle pointing at 170?

 

Can't really use that gauge as a reference since my factory one doesn't work. i have a good autometer installed and it reads a hair over 180*, IF it gets that high to begin with. Driving to work tonight, it didn't get all the way to 180* at all, I think around 160-170

 

DJB, does the 2.5/4 use the same 195º thermostat the 4.0L does?

 

My '98 parts book lists the same 195 thermostat for the 2.5 and 4.0

 

I presume u used the sending unit that came with the AutoMeter gauge. Where is the sending unit mounted? Never hurts to verify even an AutoMeter with a infrared temp gun. Doesn't take much to pull the stat and check/test it.

 

Hey, sorry for not getting back 'til now. I get off work at 4-5AM, then sleep until around 2 or 3. Anyway, yes, I did use the sender that came with the Autometer, and it's mounted on the back of the head. I have not used a temp gun yet since I need to get new batteries for mine, but I will ASAP. I know Autometer is pretty good, but I can imagine they could be wrong from time to time.