another problem uncovered...

[bsmotorsports]

Well, just bought this 89 5.0 lx. Damn nice car. Fixed the temp gauge in it and it seems to be running a little hot.

The car is running about exactly half way up the gauge, and at a dead stop it wants to climb a little more. I told my bro to stop driving it and well have to fix the prob.

The previous owner stated the radiator was brand new, and it looks it. We replaced the cap also. What could be causing this?

When the car is running I can grab the upper radiator hose and its hot, so water is flowing through. Could it be thermostat?

 

[Daggar]

It "could" be the thermostat but if the uper hose is hot then as you said... coolant is flowing. Check for air in the system running it till it's hot then CAREFULLY removing the cap and squeezing the both of the radiator hoses to see if you get any bubbles.

 

[The Shape]

How's the fan clutch?

 

[Mavrick]

Stock gauges can not be trusted all too much.. your best off to buy an aftermarket autometer water temp gauge, something you can trust!