fasteddie

I have a 5.0 EFI with a 190 degree t-stat, my question is what should the temperature gauge be reading? I've been running around 210 to 215 and it seems to be on the high side but I'm not sure.

Regards!
Ed

fats429

190*

roundman

just because the thermostat is rated at 190 degrees doesn't mean the engine temperature will be 190 degrees!! all this means is that the stat is supposed to be fully open at that temperature. the condition of the rest of the cooling system will determine if the engine runs at that temperature or higher, especially with the right mix of antifreeze and water and with a 15 psi pressure cap on the radiator the temp can run higher than 190 degrees, in fact it should. if it only runs around 210 -215, I would suspect his pressure cap ain't holding pressure on the system like it should.

silver91gt

I have an autometer temp gauge, and with the stock thermostat, it would get to mabye 195 max, when I race at the track, but on the street, it never goes past 190.
now I have a 180 t-stat and it still stays at 190.
but I do have an electric fan now.

Predator

215 is running a little hot, so I would check to make sure you aren't leaking somewhere and that your radiator and resivour are full. Mine came close to overheating a few times: the first time was a 1/2 full radiator and the second time was a hose by the heater core that burst.

Djs94stang

The only way you can really tell what the steady state temp of the engine is, you have to run on the highway at a steady speed. In the city and slower speeds you will run hot especially if you have an electric fan. The stock fan doesn't turn on until 215 degres or so and shuts off at something like 205. In the city and with temps over 60 degrees ambient, I doubt you'll ever see 190.

Pure5.0

roundman has it correct. Even though you have a 190* tstat that does not mean that your temp will be there.

Make sure your radiator is functioning properly and that your antifreeze is not really old. The older it gets the less cooling properties it has meaning the cooling process is not that effective.

vfast

the problem is that most stock stats aren't the best and most just start to open at 190.... when I buy a new one and it's on a high dollar engine I put it in a pan of water to see when it opens up fully..I have throw many away..the hi po robertshaw and mr gasket are really close in opening at the degree

roundman

hey v, what temp stat would you recommend I use in my new stroker engine with a carb??? or should I just put a flow restrictor in place of the stat?