Just looking for some input on this. Ambient temp outside was 8C and after a long jaunt on the highway, 110km/h, no headwind and the scanner is showing 86C. I am wondering if that is low or perhaps normal considering the lower ambient? Winter is coming and I need to plan out all the repairs I need to get done. thanks!
Normal operating temp?
- Thread starter BrianF
- Start date
djthumper
Administrator
Matt
Member
- Dec 2, 2011
- 4,027
That's 187°F. Your thermostat is stuck open. Mine is doing the same thing but it gets to 195°F. You really should be at about 210°F or about 99°C.I think I used a Stant last time so I'm going with an AC Delco this time.
My temp with scanner never goes above 190 F. It bounces around from 180F to (rarely) 190. But the gauge does seem to follow what the scanner reads, slightly left of center, about 180 to slightly right, about 190.
Does this mean the the ECT sensor is good and stat is a little open? I'd really like this TB to rum at 200F, is there a thermostat that runs a little hotter?
Does this mean the the ECT sensor is good and stat is a little open? I'd really like this TB to rum at 200F, is there a thermostat that runs a little hotter?
Matt
Member
- Dec 2, 2011
- 4,027
I believe our thermostats are about 192° but you should be seeing 203°-212° at operating temp. I'd say yours is stuck open as well. I know mines gone bad because I'm getting crap mileage again. I usually average 16-17mpg despite being lifted, but with the truck running colder I'm getting about 14mpg.
The T stat and temp sensor (may as well do this when the coolant is drained) from the local dealer is 126 tax in for both. Steep. Rockauto has both with shipping... for 67. Plus add some taxes, additional shipping in Canada, maybe some brokerage fees and I peg the bill at about 100$. Got some shopping around to do.
Mooseman
Moderator
My personal recommendation is ACDelco for both. I had put a Stant and found it low. Replaced it with ACDelco, and was up where it should be.
Copy and paste the part numbers from RA into Amazon Canada. Sometimes it can be surprising the deals that can be had there.
Copy and paste the part numbers from RA into Amazon Canada. Sometimes it can be surprising the deals that can be had there.
I took a look at t he location again of the sensor...... WTF. One of the coolant hard lines for the heater core I am guessing is right there and not going to be fun. Perhaps I may forgo this one for the time being. Sweet baby Jesus is that a bad location.
I went with the AC Delco replacement for stat and sensor. I'm glad I did, no more bouncing around. Gauge goes a bit past vertical to the right and stays there. I check with scanner and temp is about 198 to 203. I'm liking it although I haven't noticed a performance or mileage increase. Heater throws out warmer air though!
One thing that might be of interest to some. With the old stat and sensor and using a scanner, the temp gauge was vertical at about 185 and a bit right of it at 190.
Now, at vertical it is 198 and 203 a bit right of it. Is this cause by the new sensor?
One thing that might be of interest to some. With the old stat and sensor and using a scanner, the temp gauge was vertical at about 185 and a bit right of it at 190.
Now, at vertical it is 198 and 203 a bit right of it. Is this cause by the new sensor?
Mooseman
Moderator
Nah. The gauge in the dash is a guess. The PCM adds filtering to avoid people getting concerned unless it gets really hot.
Among the many other GM 4.2L Image Albums that are available... Here are some side-by-side image comparisons I shot of the Stant vs. the OEM AC-Delco Thermostats and stored on my Photobucket. These include the Box Ends for Part Number referencing when seeking to buy either one brand or the other. The odds are always in favor of choosing and using AC-Delco or Delphi Parts over anything else being offered for the GM 4.2L Engine Platform:
http://s557.photobucket.com/user/60...ZERENGINEREPAIR/GM42LTHERMOSTAT?sort=3&page=1
http://s557.photobucket.com/user/60...ZERENGINEREPAIR/GM42LTHERMOSTAT?sort=3&page=1
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