I just had my radiator replaced and I am curious as to where the stock temp gauge should be reading. I know they are not as good as an aftermarket gauge but until i get a good gauge i would like to know where a 94-95 5.0 mustang stock guage should generally read. Mine is at N on the freeway and dead center at R when sitting in traffic, sometimes wanting to creep slightly towards M before the fan kicks in. Its a 94 5.0 with a 180 thermostat and a brand new radiator. Any input would be very much appreciated.
stock temp gauge reading?
- Thread starter 94gsl5.0
- Start date
In my experience, that's a perfect reading.
I have about the same results on both my 94 V6 and 95 GTS, though the V6 reads a little higher. I'd attribute that to some internal resistance on the 147,000+ mile motor, and a sign it'll need a rebuild eventually.
Depending on traffic, the temp gauge may go higher in stop-and-go traffic. It shouldn't go any higher than the "M", and the fan should bring it down to just below halfway.
Keep an eye on the guage, and remember how it reacts. I had an overheating problem some time ago, and nearly cooked my engine.
The computer insisted the cooling system was working, but the car would run real hot (towards the "L"), and the fan wouldn't turn on. The mechanics swore that the guage in the dash was reading wrong, and wanted to replace my cluster. 
I told 'em no, and did some more checking. As the situation got worse, I noticed my gas mileage got worse and some loss of power/rpms as the engine got towards the "L". This finally got the mechanics to check the actual input from the sensors. 
Turns out my temp sensor had some frayed wiring, so the computer was getting a wrong reading and the engine WAS about to overheat.
The readings were bouncing all over, as if it was saying "I'm cold -- No, I'm hot -- now I'm too hot -- now I'm cold", etc. The computer kept jumping from running open loop (warmup procedure) to overheating (cut down on power). It was weird, a mouse must've been living in the engine, the wiring was chewed up. 
I have about the same results on both my 94 V6 and 95 GTS, though the V6 reads a little higher. I'd attribute that to some internal resistance on the 147,000+ mile motor, and a sign it'll need a rebuild eventually.
Depending on traffic, the temp gauge may go higher in stop-and-go traffic. It shouldn't go any higher than the "M", and the fan should bring it down to just below halfway.
Keep an eye on the guage, and remember how it reacts. I had an overheating problem some time ago, and nearly cooked my engine.
The computer insisted the cooling system was working, but the car would run real hot (towards the "L"), and the fan wouldn't turn on. The mechanics swore that the guage in the dash was reading wrong, and wanted to replace my cluster. I told 'em no, and did some more checking. As the situation got worse, I noticed my gas mileage got worse and some loss of power/rpms as the engine got towards the "L". This finally got the mechanics to check the actual input from the sensors. Turns out my temp sensor had some frayed wiring, so the computer was getting a wrong reading and the engine WAS about to overheat.
The readings were bouncing all over, as if it was saying "I'm cold -- No, I'm hot -- now I'm too hot -- now I'm cold", etc. The computer kept jumping from running open loop (warmup procedure) to overheating (cut down on power). It was weird, a mouse must've been living in the engine, the wiring was chewed up. Thanks
That puts my mind at ease. I still would like to pick up a real temp gauge. When on the freeway i am actually very low on the N side and when in town i am between O and R. Stoped is when i start to creep to M. before the fan cools things down. So it looks like the 180 thermostat and new radiator are doin their job. Thanks for the input guys. Now i can worry about other things, Like what aftermarket parts to buy
That puts my mind at ease. I still would like to pick up a real temp gauge. When on the freeway i am actually very low on the N side and when in town i am between O and R. Stoped is when i start to creep to M. before the fan cools things down. So it looks like the 180 thermostat and new radiator are doin their job. Thanks for the input guys. Now i can worry about other things, Like what aftermarket parts to buy
N is about 180. Just to the right of O is around 195. The stock high fan is either on with the A/C or at 220*.
Sounds like it is about normal...DId you replace the radiator with another stocker, or a nicer, larger, AL one?
RC
Sounds like it is about normal...DId you replace the radiator with another stocker, or a nicer, larger, AL one?
RC
modine radiator
The new radiator is a high efficiency modine... I wanted to get a nice Al one like a Fluidyne but at the time i didn't have the funds and i needed a radiator bad (the car is a daily driver and gets me to work.) The old one was not holding water. Maybe when i get a better job and get that ATI procharger (I hope i am not just dreaming, haha.) i'll switch to a better radiator.
The new radiator is a high efficiency modine... I wanted to get a nice Al one like a Fluidyne but at the time i didn't have the funds and i needed a radiator bad (the car is a daily driver and gets me to work.) The old one was not holding water. Maybe when i get a better job and get that ATI procharger (I hope i am not just dreaming, haha.) i'll switch to a better radiator.
gears
Thanks for the offer but i am not lookin to change out gears here anytime soon. When i do i think i want to change to the 3.xx range. The car is driven alot on the freeway and 4.10's would kill my gas milage. Just outa curosity, what are you runnin now Meangene21? And what are you gettin for milage? The 2.73's that i have just don't have the kick but 4.10's would be a bit much. Also what is the average labor cost for a gear swap?
Thanks for the offer but i am not lookin to change out gears here anytime soon. When i do i think i want to change to the 3.xx range. The car is driven alot on the freeway and 4.10's would kill my gas milage. Just outa curosity, what are you runnin now Meangene21? And what are you gettin for milage? The 2.73's that i have just don't have the kick but 4.10's would be a bit much. Also what is the average labor cost for a gear swap?
viperos
New Member
mine runs, with the stock radiator, right about the "N" in "normal" when it's at it's hottest... usually right onthe bracket on the left side... a few mustangs were just made to be cooler, and run cooler too 
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