How warm should i be running in the winter?

[Stumppy]

The past few weeks my truck 04 f250 has been running alot cooler than normal. Running down the freeway i never see above 180 on the coolant temp and 183 oil temp. The outside temp has been between 14-18 degrees. I was told this was why its running cold by a local mechanic. Just seeing if this was how anyone elses truck was running. Just wish it would run hotter because i need some heat in the cab.

[southend]

What were the temps in the summertime? It may be fairly close to normal. 180° is enough to get heat in the cab. You have no heat?

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[Stumppy]

The temps in the summertime were 196 to 200 coolant and 8 to 10.degrees higher on the oil. I do get heat just not alot. The temp ranges from 176 to 180 depending in how hard i get on it.

[southend]

Originally Posted by Stumppy

The temps in the summertime were 196 to 200 coolant and 8 to 10.degrees higher on the oil. I do get heat just not alot. The temp ranges from 176 to 180 depending in how hard i get on it.

Than I would say your temps are close to normal for 18°. I would check your heater inlet/outlet hose to see how warm they are, it also may be a damper problem, clogged heater core, heater valve not opening correctly.

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[luke45]

weird...my truck runs no matter how cold/hot it is, at 190 ECT temperature...

[southend]

Originally Posted by luke45

weird...my truck runs no matter how cold/hot it is, at 190 ECT temperature...

Even down to 18°?

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[luke45]

Originally Posted by southend

Even down to 18°?

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Yeah i just got back from a snowbiling trip in idaho, and it was 0* and i was running at 188

[Stumppy]

Today it was 35 and i never got over 177.

[southend]

Originally Posted by Stumppy

Today it was 35 and i never got over 177.

Fwiw, I live down south, mine runs 188° in winter. I'm not used to those temps, lol. It is fairly new thermostat. Your summer temps look normal, maybe your thermostat is sticking a bit, if someone else reports they don't have a problem. It's fairly easy to change, and the truck will respond better with higher temps. I still think it's hot enough for decent heater.

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[twoicebergs]

It should be at approx 190 even approaching <10*f. I don't have a blanket on the front of mine, but it will climb to mid 180s then pull back regulate at 177, even at -25*F. I plan on waiting until the spring to re-check it and more than likely change it out.

BTW, the heat is great, and I mean GREAT with the ECT above 145. My best guess is your heater core is shot. Of course, it could be the valve not opening properly, if it is equipped with one. Check the supply and return hoses to confirm. If they are both close to the same temperature it might be the air mixer. If not, its the core.