sigmund

I purchased a 90 LX 5.0 two months ago, and the temp gauge only moves less than 1/4 the way up when it warms up. When the engine has warmed up, the heater blows only warm air. Do you think I have a 165 degree thermostat or the 195 degree thermostat is stuck open part way?

Would someone before me possibly put a 165 in the car to keep it cool in the Texas heat of summer? And if so, is the computer reading it as a cold engine and increasing the air/fuel mixture running it too rich when the engine is hot?

Any help from you experienced folks would help.

Sigmund

mustangsneverdie

you probably have a 180* t-stat in the car,my car is the same way, as in the heater only gets warm

AdderMk2

use a non contact thermometer and measure your temps at the upper rad hose, ower rad hose and both heater core hoses... some toolbox probably put a low temp stat in there.. put a 180 or 195 back in it

luckythirteen13

thermostats are so cheap, just spend the $2 to put a new 180* stat in so your not guessing

PRO50SC

It could also be partially stuck open. Replace it as already suggested.

sigmund

Some have suggested a 180 degree thermostat. A 195 comes from the factory. Will the computer misread the 180 and make the mixture too rich? Or will the 180 not cause the computer to do that?

Sigmund

steel1

180* will work fine, I run one in my 93GT with no issues.

PRO50SC

Yup, I think most here are running 180's.

luckythirteen13

the computers in our cars are not that sensitive where dropping to a 180* from 195 will make any significant difference in the tune. they arent like new cars.

sigmund

Thanks for all the help. I think I will put a 180 in on Monday.

Sigmund