How much higher than the temp. of the thermostat should the car run?

[The Shape]

This is my first summer with my autometer gauge. I am used to the factory carppy gauge that just stayed in the middle no matter what. I have a 180* stat in my car and now that the tempature is in the 90's it runs about 185-188 degrees on the autometer gauge when driving. If I have to idle with the air on a while it will climb to about 195*. I know that is well within the safe zone since the stock thermostat is a 195*. I was just wondering if this was about the average for a 5.0 with stock radiator and stock water pump? Also since I don't have the factory gauge even hooked up anymore at what temp. would you start to worry?

 

[Ray III]

the gauge always pointed to the middle cause that's where it was supposed to be (195-200).

Your temps sound about right. Gotta remember that the radiator can't always give off heat faster than the engine makes it as soon as the t-stat cracks, especially with reduced airflow.

 

[Ray III]

HMMM my post was supposed to be 3rd. Oh well, me=king

 

[Marks5.0!]

mine used to run at 192 almost all the time when i had a stock radiator and 180 thermo.

 

[Ray III]

lol this glitch is amusing

 

[The Shape]

Yeah I have seen replies show up above the original question a few times this week LOL Keeps things interesting though!

 

[jerry beach]

You should be fine. I run 185* on my autometer with 180* stat from napa. It does go as high as 193* sometimes, but if I turn off the ac, it drops to 180*. Thats just the way it goes, I have an 3 core copper rad also. Its normal to run higher temps with the ac on. I am in FL where 96* is the norm this time of year.

 

[HISSIN50]

hey guys. i have a stock-ish set up (metal fan, rad, HD clutch, Mr G 180 stat) and aftermarket gauge.
for me, the magic number is about 95* ambient temps. at or under that, i run 190 or less. over that and with a/c on, 195-210 (i shut the a/c off at 210). usually around 200* in normal driving with a/c though.

IIRC, the puter pulls timing at 226, so that is a # to remember, as Ford thinks that is getting a little warm.

what is the deal next to the QR box? i write answers there a lot, and now it is the size of a postage stamp.

 

[wytstang]

i write answers there a lot, and now it is the size of a postage stamp.

yeah i'm not to pleased with that change either. Back to the Q's your fine thats about normal that's what mine runs at most of the time.