What is the normal operating temperature of a 1988 Blazer?

[rwrbp]

I have a 1988 Blazer, 4wd, Automatic, with A/C. When I got it, the guages didn't work. I installed a mechanical set of guages. The water temp ran around 160 to 180. I then went ahead and fixed the factory electric guage. With this guage it runs around 210. Which is more accurate? It does not have a thermostat right now. I just had the radiator cleaned and flushed the motor. The fan clutch also appears to be working fine. It still ran around 210 afterwards. I live in southeastern California so it gets a little warm here.

 

[tRustyK5]

I tend to trust aftermarket guages a bit more than 20-40 year old GM guages...and without a T-stat 160-180 sounds about right.

Rene

 

[4X4HIGH]

My factory gauge in my 89 blazer normally runs just below the 210* mark with a 195* t-stat installed. You need to install a t-stat so that the engine maintains a proper temperature for the CTS (Coolant Temp Sensor) to tell the ECM (Electronic Control Module) what the engine temp is so that it can relay that info to the other sensors that require the info to adjust properly.

 

[rwrbp]

Thanks!

 

[rwrbp]

Thanks! It was initially removed so I could drive it back down the hill from San Diego.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Just make sure you install the factory 195* t-stat.

A little trick I like to do is drill a 1/8" hole in the t-stat to help eliminate air pockets and also so that there is a very small amount of flat at all times. I have been doing this for 25 years and it works good.

 

[rwrbp]

Thanks, That is very interesting, I'll keep that in mind.