Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Coolant Operating Temperature ??

[Katmandu]

I just bought a 98 12V the other day.



The engine temperature "seems" to take forever to get going (even with temps here in Ohio in the 20s).



The heater finally starts putting out some good heat after about 10 minutes or so.



The Coolant Temp Guage stays around 165F after sustained Highway driving. The seems VERY low IMHO. I'm guessing it "may" be in need of a new

Thermostat.



Ideas ???

 

[Signal73]

Well, Just to relate my trucks characteristics, It does take a good 10 min of in town driving to get some heat up, But mine will max out around the 190° range, Maybe you have a partially sticking or improper thermo. Good luck...

 

[Nate]

Mine only hits 190* if I'm pulling a grade with a trailer in the summer.

 

[TRCM]

Mine cycles from 190 to 150, no matter what the outside temp is. It just may do it faster if it's hot out.

 

[Katmandu]

Maybe you have a partially sticking or improper thermo. Good luck...

What degree thermostat should the CTD have in it ??

 

[Signal73]

I would *assume* 190° Because thats where mine pops and drops to 150° as TRCM mentioned also. Dunno how accurate the factory guage is +/- 5° so Mebbe some one will chime in with the particulars. Happy holidays, Jim

 

[jeepullr]

I've found that in trying to get the heat rolling on a cold morning, it helps to put on the defrost setting... Don't know why, but it starts heating long before I ever see heat build up on the temp gage or feel it on the other settings. Maybe it has an electric heater added to the defrost??



My 96 cycles between 190 and 150 at first... then as it should be the swings get smaller and smaller, till it finally evens out at what I'm guessing about 170.