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| | | | Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,132 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,132 | 49 Sub, 283/TH350. During rebuild I installed new Dolphin gauges and speedo. 283 has a 180 thermostat and 7 pound pressure cap. The temp Gauge never reads more than 140. I am using the original 216 radiator after having it rebuilt by our local radiator shop. Also using an electric fan with manual switch. Even without the fan running it stays at 140. During our 4th of July parade I pulled a float over a 2 mile course at 96 degrees OAT. Still 140. It seems to me that with a 180 degree thermostat the gauge should read about 180 plus or minus. I used the sender that came with the Dolphins. The truck has never overheated. Any thoughts? Where should I start looking? I would really like this thing to read correct. Or is it actually running at 140? How can I tell its actual temperature? Any advice appreciated.
Weeds | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | I would pull the sender and put it in boiling water while watching the reading. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | check around the engine, stat housing, rad top and bottom with a laser thermometer to find out what's really happening, I seriously doubt a good running 283 will be at 140* - and in addition to what nix suggests, check the thermostat in a pan of water on the stove, it may be always full open - a thermostat sets the minimum temperature, it doesn't allow coolant circulation until the water reaches it's rating
Bill | | | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 171 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 171 | I'm with Bill, it's gotta be the gauge. pull the sender and put it in a cup of boiling water. Where is the sender mounted, thermo housing or head?
....David
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