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Topic: Temperature gauge going too hot ... Possible causes ? (Read 1735 times) previous topic - next topic

Temperature gauge going too hot ... Possible causes ?

I have a 1988 sport coupe (5.0) and  recently had my thermostat replaced because my temp gauge was constantly going too high, and it seemed fine after that. Now it seems to be doing that again and I recently did "overheat" and blew a heater core hose, so I replaced both of those. It does seem to be going high still, but will then go back down and stay just above the halfway mark. What would cause this ? I would think it should stay halfway or lower ?

Temperature gauge going too hot ... Possible causes ?

Reply #1
Sounds like an air pocket
41 Dodge Luxury Liner Sedan
78 F-100 2wd flareside
84Turbo Coupe
84 Thunderbird Élan
85 Thunderbird 3.8
88 Turbo Coupe
88 Mustang GT
90 Stang LX 5.0 5spd
93 F-150 4x4 ext cab
96 Mustang GT
98 Mustang GT
99 SVT Cobra
06 Fusion SEL
14 Fusion Sport

Temperature gauge going too hot ... Possible causes ?

Reply #2
I had Tue exact same thing happen. I ended up blaming it on the irv (internal voltage regulator) because of.my gas gauge also reading too high.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Temperature gauge going too hot ... Possible causes ?

Reply #3
Could be a bad fan clutch - this will cause hot running at around-town speeds and normal temps at high speeds. Could be a bad radiator core, either plugged or the fins rotted out - this will cause the opposite (hot on the highway, cooling down around town).
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

Temperature gauge going too hot ... Possible causes ?

Reply #4
That's exactly what it sounds like...if I drive slow it heats up more than at higher speeds. Tonight however it was staying in the normal (middle).

Temperature gauge going too hot ... Possible causes ?

Reply #5
mine is also a 88 sport 5.0 but mine is always normally close to hot

i had for awhile it was running pretty hot but i had gotten the oil pump change and when the guy lifted the motor to change it he crushed a plastic piece on a hose near the rear of the motor.think it was some aftermarket fill or flush cap.neways it barely leaked some but it cause it to run really hot til i changed it so maybe u need to make sure u dont have any leaks at all.

Temperature gauge going too hot ... Possible causes ?

Reply #6
Well the past two days or so it's been running normal...might go a little close to hot (about 3/4 of the way up) but then goes back down to the middle or less. Not sure what's up but I think the gauge is quirky

 

Temperature gauge going too hot ... Possible causes ?

Reply #7
could be.i know my oil pressure gauge doesnt always work right