Engine running cold!

[MtPaul401]

I have a '99 F350, my temp gauge hardly moves up at all, rarely gets into the "normal" temp zone just above the lower mark on the guage. It will climb some when I'm running on the highway, but not much. When I drive slower it won't warm up much at all, usually blows out slightly warm air, just enough to take off the chill. This is causing me some concern since we're in single digit temps now.

Is this normal?
If not, what would cause this?
Thanks for the help!

[cchase]

mine did that, last winter so i changed the thermostat and all is well

[NCHornet]

If your in single digits you may have to cover up part of your grill to block airflow, many folks I know that live up in Alaska run about 50/50 during the winter. Checking the thermostat would be a good idea as well. You may want to get a new housing and O ring seal from Ford as the OEM housing is junk and it won't reseal most of the time. You can check the thermostat with a candy thermometer and some hot water. It should be fully open at 195 degrees. Or you can just buy a new one from Ferd but they ain't cheap like the old stats, IIRC around $35.

[Ditty]

I had a similar problem last winter. Truck would take like 20-30 mins of driving to get to temp. We had a good snow so I just moved all the snow from the hood and packed it between the grill and the ranchhand bumper. Problem solved!

[MtPaul401]

I got the new thermostat and o-ring, 11.50 at Napa. Got the hose off...there was no thermostat in there to begin with! No wonder the darn thing was running so cold. Ran it for a bit tonight, no leaks, temp needle moved up a bit, I'll take it out tomorrow for a drive and see how it heats.

What kind of ninny takes out the thermostat and doesn't replace it? Sheesh!

[NCHornet]

These trucks aren't like older vehicles where you can do that. They are very sensitive to operating temp. I think you will find you have a much better running PSD now!!

[vitalidle]

I bet your fuel milage increases some too