I did a quick search and couldn't find anything so sorry if it's already been asked.
Since I've gotten my ScanGauge I've noticed my water temps at 181-182 and occasionally will go to 190 but very briefly. What should the water temperature be? I thought I read somewhere that 181* was too cold for the engine, but I think that was for a 5.4 and I wasn't sure if the 5.8 would be any different from that or not.
It's a 96 Windsor. Thanks!

 

If I am not mistaken my 2004 5.4 has a 190 thermostat and I have per the Edge reads anywhere from 195 to 202 or so.

 

im pretty sure the factory thermostat for your truck is a 180* so your looking OK.

 

Alright thanks! I *thought* I heard somewhere that there was suppose to be 180* thermostat in it but wasn't really sure.

 

if it makes you feel any better my Whippled 06 has a 160* thermostat and its pretty chilli here right now...burrrrr.

 

I don't have a problem with the heater, I have my vents pointed right at the steering wheel and if I keep my hand infront of it too long it feels like someone's holding a lighter on them! Supposed to be around 5* tomorrow here

I just wanted to make sure it was runnin at the right temp cause I didn't want the engine runnin too cold.

 

If an error code scan says the ECT isn't calling for ECU closed loop function (ECU fuel trim is active), it's not warm enough. On my 87'302 that's 185F minimum. Although a 180F thermostat gets me there, but I live in 40-90 degree climate. This code does not produce a CEL. If your MPG sucks, your probably under the threshhold, or falling in & out.

 

Ya know what, before winter hit I was getting a little less MPG than I usually get (about 2-3 less) Then the other day I was lookin at my ScanGauge and was seein what loop it was in and it would fall in and out of closed loop. I think it did it 3 times. Right now the only code I have is for my O2 sensor on bank 2.

 

Rich?

 

No, it's the sensor on the 3rd cat, right before the muffler, that's bad.

 

That's there to tell you when your Cat is no longer effective. Not much to do w/ fuel trim. Not running it closed loop, puts you in warmup cycle which is over rich, lacking ECU fuel trim. Kills Cats quick. After they contaminate, backpressuring is next. When this happened to me (thermostat stuck open), I replaced them w/ 1 high capacity Cat. they come off the manifolds to a Y that increases in diameter to the Cat. Much, much less expensive. If it's legal in Ca., it's legal anywhere else. I only had 2 Cats originally. not sure about 3. You can ask the shop. they're up on that stuff.

 

I only saw it do it that one time though. Ever since then it's been good so I'm not real sure why it did it. It is possible my other 02's are going out too. I was gonna get all new ones anyways it's just that Ford wants over $300 for all 3 sensors. I guess now would be a good time to get them.

 

O2's are pretty much the same. I think Bosche are about $60-70. each. As mentioned only the ones ahead of the Cat are Fuel trim related.

 

Ya I know, but I want everything new so then I know they're good.

 

Don't blame you. That really is the way to go!