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Mustangbelle306 · 03-25-2002, 03:21 AM

Hey guys! This may sound like a REALLY stupid question, but here goes!

We just installed my phantom water temperature gauge, and I was surprised to see that my engine was running at ~200 F, even though on the stock gauge it was sitting around the "O" in normal. So after installing 160 F thermostat, it still idles around 195-200 F, but at highway speeds it sits comfortably between 170-180.

I understand that at higher speeds the incoming air will cool the engine, but shouldn't it be running at 160 at that point? And is a 20-30 degree difference between idle and cruising normal?

Ah, all the questions a more accurate gauge creates!!

Thanks in advance for the help!

Belle

03-25-2002, 03:21 AM	#1
Mustangbelle306 Yay for Chickys Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,532	Water Temperature Gauge Hey guys! This may sound like a REALLY stupid question, but here goes! We just installed my phantom water temperature gauge, and I was surprised to see that my engine was running at ~200 F, even though on the stock gauge it was sitting around the "O" in normal. So after installing 160 F thermostat, it still idles around 195-200 F, but at highway speeds it sits comfortably between 170-180. I understand that at higher speeds the incoming air will cool the engine, but shouldn't it be running at 160 at that point? And is a 20-30 degree difference between idle and cruising normal? Ah, all the questions a more accurate gauge creates!! Thanks in advance for the help! Belle