Temp Gauge barely moves into Normal
 

93 F150 with 4.9 I6

This started with the Temp gauge not moving at all. I tested the temp sending unit wire by grounding it to the body and the gauge moved all the way to Hot. I figured the sending unit was bad so a swapped it for a new one.

Now after driving around for 15 minutes the temperature moves to be just barely in the normal zone and then stops, maybe 1/10 into normal. So at least the gauge is moving!

Coolant levels seem good. Engine seems to be running fine.

I suspect the gauge is supposed to read higher when the engine is at operating temperature. I think its important to have a functional temp gauge. Also, I don't want to be running cold all the time if that is the issue.

Anyone have any suggestions of what to check next?

Thanks and regards

Replace the thermostat with a 190.

Honestly my truck is a '92 f150 and mine barely goes into the normal. Been driving it for 3 months like that. Farthest it'll go is between the "n" and "o". Other people I talk to where I work at an auto parts store says there same body style runs in the same area.

My BB 92 goes to about the "N' even with AC blasted and doing 65

Like glc says, replace the thermostat and that should fix it. I have a 91 Bronco 5.0, the gauge rides between the N and the O since the day I bought it with 19 miles on the clock.

Thanks for the tips and advice. I did replace the thermostat and I now get to between the N and the O. It pretty much stays there regardless of the driving conditions.

I did get it up to the R last weekend by crawling up a logging road in 4x4, so it seems to be reading something! I was beginning to doubt its output! lol!

I guess if I want to know what's really going on I will need aftermarket gauges.