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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
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Car seems to not heat up

  • Thread starter Thread starter lgbnaf7
  • Start date Start date Sep 13, 2007
L

lgbnaf7

New Member
May 6, 2005
61
0
0
Tacoma Wa
Sep 13, 2007
#1
  • Sep 13, 2007
  • #1
I have a 1989 Mustang GT Convertible. It is completely stock. I was driving around last week and I noticed that it wasn't warming completely up according to the temperature gauge. I don't know the proper thermostat increments on the dash but according to the lines the car heats up to the third line in the range from 130 to 270. It is in the normal range according to the gauge. I assumed my thermostat was stuck open so I replaced it with a 180 degree one and I still have the same issue. I know running cool should be a great thing but I know there is something wrong. Any suggestions?
 

68keyblr

20+ Year Stangneter
Mar 17, 2003
946
20
49
Arizona
Sep 13, 2007
#2
  • Sep 13, 2007
  • #2
Mine does exactly the same thing...third line. I think it's just the stock gauge. It's not terribly accurate.

I've switched out the sending unit and it's still the same. I know the gauge works though, because I had a bad radiator and the temp read much higher before I replaced the radiator.
 

ninety15.0

New Member
Mar 10, 2004
1,336
0
0
Sep 13, 2007
#3
  • Sep 13, 2007
  • #3
Yup the stock gauge is piece of crap. It is only good for telling you the difference between Stone Cold, OK, and HOT. I run an autometer electric water temp gauge now and i am much happier knowing exactly whats going on. I can see the temp rise 5 degrees when going up a big hill on the highway...and then see it drop those 5 degrees as soon as i let off the gas a bit. World of difference!
 
L

lgbnaf7

New Member
May 6, 2005
61
0
0
Tacoma Wa
Sep 13, 2007
#4
  • Sep 13, 2007
  • #4
temp

I put in a new 180 degree thermostat thinking the stock was stuck open. Still Nothing.
 

ninety15.0

New Member
Mar 10, 2004
1,336
0
0
Sep 13, 2007
#5
  • Sep 13, 2007
  • #5
You need a better gauge...the stock gauge is horribly inaccurate
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
34
129
Sep 13, 2007
#6
  • Sep 13, 2007
  • #6
As mentioned, get a real gauge to know what's going on.
 
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