What is the AM gauge showing at it's hottest? How about while once you're warm but you've been on the highway for a bit (this generally shows you the lower opening threshold for the stat since it will be close almost as soon as it opens).
If you feel like it, pop the rad cap off on a cold motor and start it up. If coolant is flowing across the coil while the motor is cold, that would seem to support your theory.
Good luck.
If you feel like it, pop the rad cap off on a cold motor and start it up. If coolant is flowing across the coil while the motor is cold, that would seem to support your theory.
Good luck.
The t-stat should limit the lower operating threshold. Mitigating factors are that some balanced stats don't seem to completely close, or the bypass holes allow too much flow. Or additional bypass holes can allow it to run cooler than desired.
Otherwise, it should not be a biggie (as long as the stat is not faulty). You could also shroud part of the radiator to help reduce the system's heat-rejection ability (semi-tractors do the same thing in the winter).
There should be no limiter of any sort based upon temps.
It's more likely an ignition issue causing the break-up, or bad sensory input.
Ten minutes isn't enough driving to accurately tell what the t-stat is doing.
In my spin, by the time a person spends the effort and hours troubleshooting a t-stat, he/she should have just replaced the cheap little bugger. Of all the money-drains Mustang enthusiasts find, a $10-15 t-stat shouldn't become a dealbreaker.
If it were me, I'd just replace it, as it would be one less thing to worry about the next time hot weather and/or cooling system gremlins come around. At the least, if you continue to experience cooling issues, it's one less thing to chase down in the process of elimination.
If it were me, I'd just replace it, as it would be one less thing to worry about the next time hot weather and/or cooling system gremlins come around. At the least, if you continue to experience cooling issues, it's one less thing to chase down in the process of elimination.
Always i dont mind throwing $50 at a problem on small things to eliminate them as an issue..