This is topic Temp reading too low... in forum Tech Talk at Northern California Ford Owners  .


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Posted by blkfoxbody89 (Member # 8361) on :
 
I know I should be happy but..

I cannot get my 5.0 to read a warm temperature.

Since I swapped the motor I haven't been able to get it to read even at the lowest reading(below 130).

I have a 3 core radiator and a twin electric fan setup.

I thought it might be my temp sensor, so I changed it, and still no reading (even on the 100+ degree weather we had in Sac a week or so ago..).

Also, I hear if i don't get it to a minimal temperature my seals don't seat and I get some unneeded wear on rings and other type things..

My only thought would be is that my fans are on whenever the key is on. I will be hooking them up to a toggle switch or the temp sensor somehow. but my question is if I hooked it up the the temp sensor.. which wire would it be or would I need some kind of a relay or something?

Thanks, Mike
 

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Posted by *Als50* (Member # 6003) on :
 
Your fans are preventing your engine from even warming up. Put a toggleswitch on your fan and keep youe eye on the temp. That is if your fans are on all the time.
 

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Posted by 92stangLX (Member # 3252) on :
 
You can buy a wiring kit from Painless products that has a temp sensor. Also, if you are running anything below a 180 thermostat that could contribute too.
 

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Posted by norcalstangman (Member # 8387) on :
 
yeah man put a switch on it. that's wat I have. besides I only turn my fans on on city streets freeways are not needed most of da time
 

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Posted by blkfoxbody89 (Member # 8361) on :
 
Cool cool.

Yeah, I have a 160 thermostat right now.

I'll check out that painless products site.

Thanks for the feedback.

Edit: found what I want http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=PRF%2D30104&FROM=MG

[ May 28, 2008, 02:47 PM: Message edited by: blkfoxbody89 ]
 

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Posted by BCINGUU (Member # 2397) on :
 
I have to disagree with the fan diagnosis, even if the fans run all the time, the thermostat should control the water flow and allow the engine to heat up to operating temp. It should remain closed or almost-closed to keep the water moving slowly. Check for a stuck-open thermostat (and you should consider changing to a 180 while you're at it, 160 is too low to get efficient engine operation).
 

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Posted by blkfoxbody89 (Member # 8361) on :
 
I have a brand new 160 thermo that I installed no longer than a month ago, and since I put on the 3core + twinfan combo I have yet to feel water flow when i squeeze the top hose.
 

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Posted by BCINGUU (Member # 2397) on :
 
Hmm, then the fans shouldn't be affecting your temp much if the water isn't flowing. Maybe something else is going on that is preventing your motor from heating up. Well, try the fan thermostat switch and see what happens, let us know.
 

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Posted by blkfoxbody89 (Member # 8361) on :
 
For sure,

These fans are from my old porsche, and I think they are supposed to be set up to run on a high and low speed setup, they push near hurricane force winds right now.

I drove around with just one fan running today and temp changed none.

I'll try running no fans on my way home from work. I'm sure that will affect my temp some.
 

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Posted by Bronco Man (Member # 8401) on :
 
Ya you could have a stuck thermostat. It should be cycling at idle and the one you have is a little low. I run a 180 on my 302 and it has the stock fan and runs about 185 in town but i have to be idleing for quite a while, it drops to 165 on the freeway. If your interested I have a friend that builds fan systems and controllers that you can adjust, and they work great. Call me at 510-792-8364
 

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Posted by 92stangLX (Member # 3252) on :
 
160 degree therm is too low. Try changing it for a 180.
 

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Posted by blkfoxbody89 (Member # 8361) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by 92stangLX:
160 degree therm is too low. Try changing it for a 180.

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Right on, I'll try that now.

I drove home with no fans yesterday (about 10miles).

car only read 130ish, but felt like it was over 200.

so I'll try a 180, and maybe check or relocate my temp sensor.
 

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Posted by BCINGUU (Member # 2397) on :
 
Let us know!
 

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Posted by blkfoxbody89 (Member # 8361) on :
 
Yeah I'm an idiot.

My cluster Temp gauge wasn't working..

I went to Autozone on Saturday and picked up gauge w/ a temperature sensor and installed it.

My temperature has been running between 150 on a cool night (on the freeway), and up to 210 in the most extreme conditions I could dish out.
 

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Posted by Bronco Man (Member # 8401) on :
 
Hey man don't feel stupid, atleast you figured it out and did'nt hurt your ride.
 

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Posted by blkfoxbody89 (Member # 8361) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Bronco Man:
Hey man don't feel stupid, atleast you figured it out and did'nt hurt your ride.

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