I'm a newbie, picked up a 2000 model last tues. I put the ultra gauge on it right away. It mostly hovers around 194 with lows at 188 and highs at 199.

It does have an interesting warm up though, when the vehicle first reaches operating temp, it will go close to 220 while stopped and at idle. I attribute this to the thermostat not operating quite right until it has become heat soaked. Since once the rig has fully warmed up (30 minutes or so) the phenomenon goes away.

I ordered a 180 deg thermostat fromatlantic British as well as some hoses, and fresh coolant. I will be servicing the cooling system within the week.

 

Installed a new "Gray" soft spring thermostat this morning. Now the truck warm idles at 197 and runs around 188 degrees at highway speed. Thanks so much for your help here. Getting this truck right piece by piece.

 

Anybody notice their heater not working as well with the soft spring installed? My temps are great but my heater does not get very warm. It might be my short drive only 15-20 mons but if the truck is warm it should have some good heat.

 

I'll tell you what before switching to the "soft spring" my heater would be capable of producing Africa like temperatures. It was unbearable at times. Yes, my heat takes alittle longer to produce warm air but I'm not complaining. I just switch on the heated seats and smile at my new lower operating temps

 

I had high temps off and on...

When I bled the system they would drop, then 2-3 weeks later they would climb again.

Changed the t-stat and they hover right around 199-208.

 

Flush the heater core a bit. Debris and gunk clog it up and hot fluid flow is restricted. Just hand mine done and totally capable of Africa-like temps inside again.