So I've been trying to get my temps down with some success. I have since installed a new radiator, 180 t-stat, electric fan, and new water pump. My temps have dropped down a good amount from what they were before. My average used to be 220f before the mod and now its around 208f. While diving from miami back to jacksonville i was averaging 208f @ 70mph @ 70f outside temp. For ****s and giggles i decided to remove the front grille at a rest stop to see what happens, my temps went from 208f average to 199f @ 70mph @ 70f outside temp.

So im going to buy or build a mesh grille.

FYI, about a 5hr drive spent 1hr in traffic 2hrs at 208f average temp with grille and 2hrs at 199f average temp w/o grille.

 

I did just that back in the summer. I had to go back quite a ways to find a picture without my brush guard, but here one is. I just bought a piece of grill mesh on ebaoy, cut it, bent it up, and zip tied it in.



That 208 with stock grill is still pretty high. Did you get a genuine 180? I'd be curious if there's something blocking a coolant passage or if your impeller on your water pump is corroded and gunked up. Might be worth checking. You could pop it off and just RTV it back on.

 

I was reading some of the older posts online and read where ranges of 208-215, were considered 'normal' for my 2002 4.0 D2. I average 212-215 cruising in town and at 65mph.

Going to install a 180 t-stat and new water pump this weekend. We'll see what happens. I run 50/50 coolant mix in Texas and we've been in the 60's and 70's lately.

 

Agreeing with Alex. You have another problem somewhere.

199-208 way to high, especially while driving. I don't see over 194 while driving. My water pump has about 15k, my rad has 2k and my thermostat and fan has 10K.

Which electric fan are you running?

 

208 to 220 were considered normal because that is what the factory decided to do to burn up a little extra combustible matter for better emissions. I have never heard the temp spec was different based on a 4.0 or 4.6l engine.

As for the OP, the only reason you would run 208 with all those changes is if you did not buy an OEM grey LR thermostat. It is tempting to go cheap and buy an aftermarket one, but this is what you get. It does seem that only the OEM will get the temps down to 188 freeway and 198 idle in traffic.

 

I'm not running a 180 t-stat, and when I install it this weekend, I really do hope temps drop on the engine. I would prefer a bit cooler running system overall.

 

My t-stat isn't grey, its from amazon. Ill buy one from British Atlantic soon.

 

My radiator is cracked from the screw - driver's side, top, so I'm replacing that as well as putting in a 180* stat, water pump, and electric fan, coolant cap. Anything else I should be replacing while up front?


I've searched quite a bit for radiator replacement on here but haven't found what everyone is replacing while they dive in to that job. Thanks!

 

I think that one screw has been the failure of more radiators; than than Dexcool.

 

A proper engine drain/flush with block plugs removed may help reduce operating temps.
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