[ggipson79]

Guys,

On my 2003 3.8 auto, what should the average temp be when:

1. Driving on the interstate or just moving in general with air going through the radiator (should be cooler, right)? What is average temp for this scenario?

2. Sitting still, stop-n-go traffic where you are barely moving (5 mph), or at a stop light for a long period of time?

I ask because my NEW thermostat is rated for 195 degrees and it is one of the $13.00 ones that if it goes bad it will stay in the OPEN position to keep water flowing and my engine from over heating.
I am staying at about 212 to 217 while driving on interstate, and
I am staying at about 218 to 230 while not moving so fast or not moving at all.

My electric fan IS working. Matter of fact, to rule it out, I hotwired it directly to my battery all the way home one day (about a 45 minute run like this with fan constantly on) and no change in temp either way (still or moving).

Thoughts? Concerns?

What point will it start getting too hot and start warping heads and putting water in my oil?

Is my temp OK and I am just flipping out? It all started when it overheated on me about 1.5 weeks ago.

Where does yall's sit? Should I drive it an hour away in the morning to a job interview in stop 'n go traffic???

[ggipson79]

All of this is radiator temp, of course (not tranny or anything else). Just wanted to make sure we are on the same page.

*hey, i also have a 1993 derek jeter rookie card (graded psa 9) for sale and 2 - 1932 babe ruth cards (beckett graded) for sale ...like the one in my avatar. I am out of work and need to put food on the table if you know of anyone interested!*

sorry, i know this isnt the classifieds, just wanted to throw that in. Having to fix this friggin mustang always nickle and diming me to death and losing my it job i am trying to keep food on the table.

[qwiksilvermustang]

i usually log around 205 sitting still never checked it going down the road and i just starting using my recon software. i'm about to put a 180* tstat in, so i'll see what that does as the previous owner may have installed a diff. temp than stock...

[Lumoon]

I have a 170* thermostat and I log temps around 183-190* before when I had a stock thermostat I saw a temp as high as 220*

When you installed your new thermostat did you drill a small 1/16th hole in the top of it like the factory thermostat had?

180 Degree Thermostat in a 3.8L V6 Mustang
I feel like I post this link alot...

[ggipson79]

Originally Posted by Lumoon I have a 170* thermostat and I log temps around 183-190* before when I had a stock thermostat I saw a temp as high as 220* When you installed your new thermostat did you drill a small 1/16th hole in the top of it like the factory thermostat had? 180 Degree Thermostat in a 3.8L V6 Mustang I feel like I post this link alot...

Yeah man, I have not had a lot of time to devote to just staying on this forum like i used to. I will have to check out that link. I bought the 195 degree one. I did not realize there was a hole drilled. Before I look, do you have a picture of where you drilled the hole? I dont have my factory one. It got chunked last week. Like I stated, the one I bought is designed so that if it ever were to go bad that it will stay in the "wide open" position so that it will keep you from over heating. I think 220 is a bit high IMO. So you think it is a bit high too??

I wanted to get a lower temp but someone detoured me from it for some reason...oh, maybe it was because the engine would not get hot enough to blow out enough heat when I needed it in the winter time?? It wouldnt get up to enought temperature to get 'hot' in all of the ice and snow. Maybe that was why?? Does that make sense???

[ggipson79]

Oh yea, I also saw on HorsePower TV that they were showing "Royal Purple. They make an engine oil AND stuff to pour in your radiator. I want to say they electronic guage they placed on the engine block of the Ford pickup they tested (before pouring Royal Purple in the radiator) was up to, let's say 210 degrees (cant remember exactly).
They let the engine cool downl, poured in the Royal Purple in the radiator, then got the engine up to full temp and the block was cooler by about 15-20 degrees - no joke. So I tried it. It seemed to work. So, I was staying around 225 degreed before Royal Purple and afterward I have been between 210 and 215. The dude at O'Reilly Auto Parts witnessed it. i also broke down and poured in a $17.99 bottle of Prolong into my engine block. I wont get into detail but it is a super lubricant that is also supposed to keep the engine cooler by lubing things so well that there is less friction. I figured I woudl give both a shot. So, long story. AFter both of these, my temp has stayed below 220 but I DONT LIKE IT. I was just wondering if I had a bad thermostat?? If not, what else could it be??
You think going lower than 195 (which is OEM recommended?)
Any other ideas? Anyone? (and I do 'preciate your help Lumoon)
~G

Also, I just pulled up your link you posted and printed it off so I could read up on it tomorrow.