What is the operating temp for a 7.3?

[unholy1]

Yesterday, I noticed my coolant temp gauge would top out at between 210 and 225, then it would drop down to 180 and start over again. Is this normal? It was about 35* outside. I'm wondering it this will be an issue over the summer when I'm pulling the car trailer in 90+ weather.

[Austinj427]

I think the thermistat on these trucks is 195.. I can't really remember. But I had some issues getting mine up to full temp when it was about 25 out, I only got it to 170.

[unholy1]

Originally Posted by Austinj427

I think the thermistat on these trucks is 195.. I can't really remember. But I had some issues getting mine up to full temp when it was about 25 out, I only got it to 170.

Thanks. For some reason, 210 seems high to me.

[Clay Henry]

210 is high and 225 is dangerously hot. Mine sometimes hits 210 in Aug. when its 105 outside and i'm pulling a long grade with the camper on but for the most part you shouldn't see morethan 200 under normal driving. Get it checked out. Might have a plugged radiator. Has the coolant been changed recently?

[unholy1]

Originally Posted by Clay Henry

210 is high and 225 is dangerously hot. Mine sometimes hits 210 in Aug. when its 105 outside and i'm pulling a long grade with the camper on but for the most part you shouldn't see morethan 200 under normal driving. Get it checked out. Might have a plugged radiator. Has the coolant been changed recently?

Just changed the coolant. The clutch fan is working. I am assuming it's a plugged rad or sticking thermostat.

[Clay Henry]

Originally Posted by unholy1

Just changed the coolant. The clutch fan is working. I am assuming it's a plugged rad or sticking thermostat.

Definately replace the thermostat...cheap and easy.

[unholy1]

Originally Posted by Clay Henry

Definately replace the thermostat...cheap and easy.

Is there any way to do this without puking fifty-gallons of coolant out of the engine?

[jgos929]

I'm curious about this to because my scangauge is all I have to read my temp. In the morning when I first start it up it will read like 205 and I know that can't be right. It will move between 225 and 200 all the time.

[Clay Henry]

Originally Posted by unholy1

Is there any way to do this without puking fifty-gallons of coolant out of the engine?

Get a 5gallon bucket, slide it under the drain on yhe radiator and drain as much as will fit in the bucket. The therm is up high so all you need to drain is the top portion.

[unholy1]

Originally Posted by Clay Henry

Get a 5gallon bucket, slide it under the drain on yhe radiator and drain as much as will fit in the bucket. The therm is up high so all you need to drain is the top portion.

Thanks! I think I've diagnosed the problem. I took her for a ride and the gauge read about 215-220 after about 30-minutes of driving. It's 10* here. A couple of times before today it would get to 210, then drop down to about 180 before rising again. The last few days it hasn't done this. Anyhoo, when I got home I checked the upper rad hose. It was cold. Not mildly warm. Cold. Got a new stat and will get it installed ASAP!