6.2 Operating temp

[K5dreamer]

Ok, so over the winter, i assumed my temp guage was broken. It was installed by the PO and is less than a "skilled" install, so it was a natural assumption. I assumed it was broken because well, it never moved from 0.

So fast forward to about a month ago, it was still pegged at 0, but now my low coolant light came on. so i figured it was at 0 because there was air in the system, and coolant wasnt in contact with the temp sensor, so i topped off the coolant, and did my darndest to get the air out without actually opening up the cooling system. (thought about unscrewing the temp sensor itself to let the air pocket out, but it was a bugger to get to).

So, now ive finally got the coolant level sorted out, and the temp guage is actually moving. but i looked at it today, and it looks an awful lot like the truck is only running at about 120-130 degrees

methinks my thermostat is stuck, but thought id double check before i started yet another repair on the beast.

 

[thedrip]

My 6.2 truck, with the thermostat stuck open, would barely hold 120 with an ambient temp of 85ish. idling. nosed up against a wall.

At no/light loads, diesels make very little heat. Swap the thermostat out.

 

[K5dreamer]

figured as much, always nice to have confirmation though.

ok, so there are two part numbers listed at advance auto parts, one for 160* ($15) and one for 190* ($20), which one yall suggest? im leaning towards the 190* thermostat, hotter engine, better combustion right? any reason to go with the 160*?

 

[K5dreamer]

for the record, the stock spec is 190* , therostat is at the local delco line for less than $6. and napa had the gasket for less than $2. pickin the parts up tomorrow, and doin the swap then.

 

[bigtruck1]

Results...? What is your avg running temp now...?

 

[tRustyK5]

My 6.2 with the 195 T-stat will maintain 195F even in the colder winter temps.

My K5 6.2 that had no T-stat you could watch the temp drop from 180 ish to 140 just sitting at a long red light...even in summer.

Rene

 

[bigtruck1]

Did you experience noticeably better fuel efficiency with the 195 t-stat...? (one would think that would be the case..)

 

[tRustyK5]

I never put a T-stat in the K5, and the pick-up has always had one. I would also assume better fuel efficiency with a T-stat though.

Rene