Since I put in a new radiator in my 88 D100 (318), the engine temp light hardly moves off the "C"........do you think I have screwed-up something??

Runs fine otherwise

Thanks

 

Well, that depends. Mine normally runs about lower middle and my truck runs nice and cool. If yours barely comes off the c then there is probably a loose connection. Or it is just not getting to full temp. What is your ambient temperature?

 

Or your thermostat is stuck open coincidentally. These gauges aren't noted for accuracy. What hash is 160? 180? 215? 250? I have no idea, but I do know where mine runs with several different thermostat temperatures, so I have a good idea how mine reads, but each one seems a little different.

 

mine never moved at all with 160* thermostat installed. i picked up a cheap gauge at princess auto for $15 but i ditched the mechanical fan for electric fans so i need to know what the temp is.

 

Mine barly moves past the "C" too and Ive replaced my radiator too

 

Thanks for the info. Amb temp here currently is running in the high mid to high 60's F. But we have had a few days where the temp has reached 80 F and it didn't change the gauge reading. I'll check to see which type of thermostat I have in there...I can't recall if its a 160 or 180. Maybe I should also check the radiator cap rating too

 

A 160 in the summer is fine, a 180 is not a good idea for the summer. But I wouldn't worry about it unless it starts to overheat.....

 

Your 88 should be fuel injected and requires a 192 degree thermostat and thats what it needs year round. The fuel injection is designed to run your engine at a specific temp.

If your cooling system is working as it should you should never have to screw around with different temp thermostats.