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Engine 1993 Running cool

  • Thread starter Thread starter Sconnell80
  • Start date Start date Sep 10, 2018
S

Sconnell80

Member
Aug 19, 2018
53
2
8
Western NY
Sep 10, 2018
#1
  • Sep 10, 2018
  • #1
I’ve got a 1993 GT that I’ve picked up and have been going through fine tuning it as it was someone else’s project. I’ve noticed that the temp gauge runs around the 150* mark most times unless it sits and idles for 30mins in 90* weather. It has an aluminum 3 row radiator with electric contour fans that are set to run at 185* and they do kick on at about the temp by the dash gauge. I know the gauges in these cars suck but it seems to be somewhat right. I will get a temp gun and shoot it and see what it says. It’s starting to cool down here in western NY so I’d like to get some heat lol.
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
20+ Year Stangneter
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polk county florida
Sep 10, 2018
#2
  • Sep 10, 2018
  • #2
Good place to start. An aftermarket gauge to supplement the factory one is what I did.
 
S

Sconnell80

Member
Aug 19, 2018
53
2
8
Western NY
Sep 10, 2018
#3
  • Sep 10, 2018
  • #3
I’m guessing it’s gonna read low as well cause I don’t get much heat out of the heater. What should I look at next if the temp is low. Easier to diagnose it if it was overheating lol.
 

Boostedpimp

20+ Year Stangneter
May 8, 2003
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Sep 10, 2018
#4
  • Sep 10, 2018
  • #4
visually verify that your heater core isn't bypassed and maybe there is a low thermostat installed. Factory was 195 I believe but putting a 180 in is popular to help with keeping cool in hot weather and generally sucks in the winter time heat wise.
 
Last edited: Sep 11, 2018
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Sconnell80

Member
Aug 19, 2018
53
2
8
Western NY
Sep 10, 2018
#5
  • Sep 10, 2018
  • #5
Yes the heater core is hooked up as I get heat if I let it sit and idle but once I start moving temps drop. I put in a 180* tstat so maybe I’ll try a 195*.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
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Sep 10, 2018
#6
  • Sep 10, 2018
  • #6
I'd try the 195* and see if oyu can buy a cheap temp gauge to install and confirm the low temp. The stock gauges are notoriously inaccurate. Try cleaning the connector on the temp sender or replacing it completely as it's pretty cheap. Any oxidation can increase resistance making the reading incorrect
 

mikestang63

SN Certified Technician
Aug 27, 2012
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Sep 10, 2018
#7
  • Sep 10, 2018
  • #7
first, get a good aftermarket gauge and see whaat the engine is really running at
 

2000xp8

SN Certified Technician
Aug 8, 2003
8,026
1,617
194
NJ
Sep 10, 2018
#8
  • Sep 10, 2018
  • #8
150 is crazy low.
Likely not a real reading in 90 degrees.
If it has a 180 in it, the t stat shouldn't open until it hits that temperature, so regardless of the size radiator you have, the car should run at least 180 degrees.

My guess is that your gauge reading is way off, so i'm with mike, don't mess with anything until you put a real gauge on it.
 

JD1964

there is enough sticking out to grab on to
15 Year Member
Jun 28, 2013
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Sep 10, 2018
#9
  • Sep 10, 2018
  • #9
Thermostat could be stuck open
 

Blown88GT

Founding Member
Nov 13, 1999
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Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Sep 11, 2018
#10
  • Sep 11, 2018
  • #10
Sconnell80 said:
Yes the heater core is hooked up as I get heat if I let it sit and idle but once I start moving temps drop. I put in a 180* tstat so maybe I’ll try a 195*.
Click to expand...
I've been running a 180* for 25 years.
T-stat sets the lower temperature limit, not the upper temp limit.
 
S

Sconnell80

Member
Aug 19, 2018
53
2
8
Western NY
Sep 11, 2018
#11
  • Sep 11, 2018
  • #11
The thermostat is brand new and it is working, I can grab the hose while the car is warming up and it is cooler to the touch, check it maybe 10 mins later and it’s hot. I’ve got another temp sensor coming just to see, I’ll grab a temp gun and try and get some readings to verify. My guess is the gauge is off or not reading right at certain temps.
 
S

Sconnell80

Member
Aug 19, 2018
53
2
8
Western NY
Sep 18, 2018
#12
  • Sep 18, 2018
  • #12
Put in new temp sending unit and it reads just shy of the middle of the temp gauge. Atleast it’s not reading on the low end so I can live with that. Fans come on just above the middle.
 
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