Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Low engine temperature?

[MRector]

My temp needle never hardly moves past the first mark on the factory gauge, at first I thought this was timing. A friend and I set the timing to 16. 5 degrees two weeks ago, we checked and rechecked the timing so I know it is correct. The timing had slipped prior to setting it, about 10 degrees. Could this be a thermostat problem? There is no leaking coolant or any other obvious heating problems(besides the heater not putting out much)



Thanks,

Mike Rector

 

[RACE427]

thermostats either stick open, stick closed or go out of calibration. They are inexpensive insurance, try replacing yours and see if the temp. goes up where it should be. Hope this helps.

 

[CumminsPower98]

There is a rubber sleeve on these t-stats that slips off and gets stuck in the opening keeping it open. Mine did this as have many others.

 

[SRath]

There is a rubber sleeve on these t-stats that slips off and gets stuck in the opening keeping it open. Mine did this as have many others.

Mine has always climbed to 180 degrees, then dropped like a rock down to @ 100 degrees, climbed to 180 degrees, dropped like a rock, climbed... . This is non-stop until winter when I place a piece of plastic slipsheet with a 6 inch hole cut in it between my radiator and intercooler. Then I can get it to maintain 180 degrees.



Excuse my ignorance, but I take it this is not normal? I always blamed it on wherever Dodge/ Cummins placed the sensor, figuring it was too close to the t-stat and over-reacting every time the t-stat opened.

 

[CumminsPower98]

In winter mine runs up to 180 and will drop as far as 165 maybe but that's max with no winter front and much of the time it runs pretty steady. I can drive in sub-zero temps and it will keep warm. I know there have been some t-stat revisions over the years for the fluctuation problems.

 

[Joe G.]

The fluctuation is NOT a problem. The so called fixes for it usually make the engine run too cool.

 

[MRector]

Yea, mine also USED to fluctuate from 180-ish down to 150-ish(real fast). But it doesnt now, doesnt move any, and I almost froze on the 1hour drive to work this morning(low of 30 degrees last night). I am getting a thermostat today and installing it on Saturday, after I get out of the woods



mike

 

[Missouri Mule]

SRath, It is normal.

The sensor on the 12 valve engine is located at rear of head on driver's side.

 

[JWestley]

mine is always fluctuating, will hit 190ish and than drop down to 150ish in no time at all. Than it will go back up and repeat the process over and over again, dosen't matter what speed or anything

 

[MRector]

Just thought that I would do a follow-up, it was my thermostat. It was the rubber liner thingy in there, it was rolled out and made it to where coolant flowed ALL the time. Good now.



Mikey