Greetings! My '92 5.0 LX convertible seems to be running hot. The gauge goes way up to the red mark indicating 180 deg. The engine hasn't overheated yet, but I don't want it to. The radiator has been replaced. Is this normal? Do I need to replace the thermostat? What does anyone think?

 

Stock thermostat is 195* The system is pressurized. Each pound of pressure raises the boiling point 3* 16 lb x 3 = 48 + 212 = 260 before overheats.

 

Thanks Bubba 95SN. You seem to indicate that I don't need to worry about a boilover. But I still do wonder why the gauge is at at the high end and if I have some problem. How hot does the temperature actually get?

 

Stock gauge are not accurate. This reading with a mechanical gauge?(my preference). In my 95 the electric fan does not come on until 221* with factory settings. With flip of a switch I can run factory settings or turn fan on high.

 

Word on the factory gauge being garbage. Mine would go up to the red while the car was still cool to the touch. Mechanical gauge has now given me a sigh of relief. Car doesn't get hotter than 180.