I have a 97 4.6 with almost 160k, and the operating temperature seems kinda low.. if someone can take a look at that, and notify me if something may be wrong, i would appreciate it.

my picture

 

Looks like the needle is within the normal operating range. Is it lower now than it was a while ago? Does it take a long time to get to where it is? I'd start with a thermostat that's sticking open, or the sending unit might be on it's way out. No or slow heat would be a tip off for the thermostat. My truck is still pretty new, but I know my Mustang's needle was all over the place. Nothing I'd be overly concerned about.

 

it doesnt take long to get there.. i was just curious because of the number of miles on it.. im not even sure if the engine is still the same.. i want to look into that though, cause it runs great at 160k

 

Most likely an non-problem. I don't know where the temp "gauge" points on the '97, but I wouldn't worry too much about it. If it doesn't throw enough heat when the cold weather returns, check into a thermostat, they're cheap enough to just pop in a new one.

 

thats normal. u dont want it above 170 is about what avg engine should operate at. ive got 123,600 miles now on my truck and my OT is the same

 

Thats exactly where the needle sits with our 4.6, and the thermostat has been replaced within the last year, so yours looks good to me.

 

That's right about where both of my 4.6 temp needles sat. No need to worry IMO. As far as thermostats go. I had one go bad on my 97 last year and what a PITA. Had to have it towed home $80 (hard to work on a truck in khakies and a button up shirt and not get them ruined.) $12.50 for a new thermostat and a couple of bucks for some anti freexe (might have been pre-mix) and I was good to hook. I just replaced the thermostat in my 2001 4.6 as a preventative measure. If you replace it be sure to get a new gasket too. I left that little step out of my first go-round, not disastrous luckily but dumb. The bag was labeled '91-96' Ford. But it was the same part for the 97, I have no idea why it was marked that way unless it was just old. Anyhow it's a small O-ring.

 

All that gauge is, is an idiot light with a needle on it.... It acutally has a real idiot light right next to it! It'll sit in the same spot from around 150* to over 230* before it moves.

I've never seen mine move above that position. I've had my water temp up to 210* and the stock gauge just sat there..... I've got some Autometer temp gauges for the water and trans. I tow a lot so I wanted to know the real story.

At that position, figure you are at around 190* while cruising down the hwy. Won't change much even in stop and go. Maybe 195* on a hot day.....

Oh, and the oil pressure and volt gauge is the same deal.... Nothing more then idiot lights....

Mitch