[mylilpony]

So i replaced my radiator, thermostat, thermostat housing, hoses and my temp gauge keeps bouncing around a lot. Is their a possibility that my car is getting hot because my fan isn't kicking on at the right time and maybe not staying on long enough. And if i put my fan on a switch would u think that would work. Better yet whats a good way to check and see if their is anything wrong with my fan. Still has original water pump too. hit me back with some info please people.

[HMUSN]

it's like a $20.00 kit to put your fan on a switch.

ever think the gauge itself might be bad?

[mylilpony]

well all u need to do is buy a switch, some wiring and a relay

[shadowgames81]

why not put an aftermarket temp gauge just to double check it an also check to see when the fan is kicking on and off??

[TKOTLARZ]

that temp guages in fords really blow..u should really get an aftermarket one like stated above..but if the gauge is still flickering then there is probably air in the system..if your car is getting hot then i would check the water pump..there is a hole on the bottom called a weep hole that leaks when bearing inside is going bad..u can also take the belt off and take the hose off that goes to the thermostat and the antifreeze should be filled up the the top of the spout, when you spin the pulley, it should go down a little and come back up..if it doesnt then the impeller is not spinning... i just bought one myself because it was leaking from that hole..

[Bullitt95]

Originally Posted by HMUSN ever think the gauge itself might be bad?

Quite possible but it's more likely that the gauge sending unit in the intake manifold could be bad. Might be easier to replace that first before doing anything else.
There's an easy way to check if the water pump is working properly. Once the engine has reached normal operating temperature and the thermostat is open, the upper radiator hose should be hard if the water pump is circulating coolant. You could try to slowly squeeze it and quickly let go. If you feel a surge of coolant the pump is working.

[mylilpony]

thanx for the info. my gauge works for a lil bit then just drops below cold and stays there for a while. and yes when i squeeze the hose its hard. nothing is leaking off the block, i think when it gets hot it just leaks out the overfill tank

[flamedstang95]

I think y'all are reading too much into this. Swap out your coolant temp sensor with a new one and see what happens. Should take care of the problem.

[mylilpony]

i haven't tried that yet. what does one of those cost?

[Bullitt95]

The gauge sending unit shouldn't cost more than $20. Remember this is the one that goes on the driver's side of the intake manifold behind the distributor, with just a single wire connector.

[flamedstang95]

Originally Posted by mylilpony i haven't tried that yet. what does one of those cost?

Get the lifetime warranteed one from Napa. It should be around 22-25 bucks.

[mylilpony]

sweet sounds good. when i get that and put it in i'll get back and let ya know what happens