I recently replaced my thermostat on a 2000 4.6, and was curious as to what the "normal"setting was. In other words where should the needle rest, currently mine when the engine has warmed up is about 60% to the H mark.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated from this "newbie" to Do It Yourself in order to save money during these times.
Thanks

 

The temp gauge in my 2000 4.6 sits just where you describe yours does, about 60% of the way up. When it's there, the ScanGauge reports the coolant temp between 190F and 210F. (The range is actually a little broader than that, but I don't remember the exact temps.)

Did the thermostat install go smoothly? That was one of the first jobs I did on my truck when I bought it in 2006 with 89K on it.

 

Replacing a thermostat should have no bearing on where your temp gauge sits. Do you not know where it normally sat before installing the new thermo?

Also remember your temp gauge is not a temp gauge...it's an idiot light with a needle instead of a bulb. The needle has a normal resting spot that it arrives at up to a certain point. Once the needle is there, the actual temp can vary drastically and your a called gauge will never move. To give you an example, I have a real gauge in my truck...my stock needle arrives at its "normal" position around 160*. I have seen my actual temp as high as 235* and the needle never moved. I don't know how hot it'd have to get before it actually showed you something useful.