r1sky5.0

I just purchased a 93 mustang coupe 2.3 and noticed that the car never reaches operating temperature. It stays at a line or two above cold. Even when at stop and go traffic it does not reach operating temperature. With the a/c on high it still won't make the temperature go up. Can somebody tell me what is the problem?

7 UP Mustang

Check the thermostat as it sounds like you do not have one at all or it is stuck open. Good luck.

r1sky5.0

I will check that tommorw and see if it is that. Is there anyway to check if the thermostat is stuck open without having to remove the thermostat housing?

dreamer1uk

Even if the thermostat is stuck open, the engine will eventually get to operating temperature. You could find a wiring diagram and try grounding out the gauge and see if the needle moves.

r1sky5.0

I noticed that the needle will start going up a little past the 3rd line but then after like 5 mins it drops down to the 2nd line once again. Is the fan controlled by any temp controller that could have been moved making the car not reach operating temperature?

Slow84SVO

the 2.3L does not generate heat like a v8. pending on ambient temps, driving conditions etc etc etc it can very well never get to opperating temp. 85* F fall weather in az w a failed open tstat the svo would sit at 140*F water temp while cruising on the hwy. the fan was on a manual toggle. could idle at a light for ten minutes before it would even get warm.

use a thermal gun and check the temp of the block and the radiator end tanks. i highly doubt its electrical. much more likely you have a heating system(radiator) related issue such as t stat, pump, coolant. also-you can touch the upper radiator hose. see how hot it is after driving. pull into your parking spot, pop hood and test its temp while car idles. if it doesnt feel like a normally running hose should(fairly hot- roughly 180*) then let the system cool down. verify that you have full coolant levels. it may be a good idea to drop $20 and replace you t stat-15$ and 5$ gasket maker. while you are at it, you could remove and inspect the water pump. and do a coolant flush.

Babybudistmonk

My 93 always ran cool like that too. Never gave me any problems tho. Runs like a champ