what is "normal" coolant temp on a gen 2

If the full race radiator slows the temp change, I might be interested in it. The temp seemed to move pretty quick depending on how hard I was pushing the truck. Also, I think maybe the stock intercooler might be the bigger issue for my situation. I'm thinking that my temps might be caused more from heat soak.

Big improvement with front mount intercooler!! I’m happy with the radiator and oil cooler, vacuum fill is a must on the rad.

Wfo said:

I have the full race radiator and larger transmission cooler, also have SVC front mount. I see 205 and sometimes 215. The larger rad won’t lower temps, just more capacity so temps should be more consistent. I’m considering installing a lower temp thermostat, only concern is how long it will take to warm up in the 0deg winter months.

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Have you noticed any improvement while off roading after installing the FR radiator and FMIC ? My temperature gets really high (248) in a very short period of time and in some cases the truck went in to limp mode and reduced power till the temps went down with that being said I do have the lower temp thermostat which I don't see beneficial in my case.

Rednose said:

Have you noticed any improvement while off roading after installing the FR radiator and FMIC ? My temperature gets really high (248) in a very short period of time and in some cases the truck went in to limp mode and reduced power till the temps went down with that being said I do have the lower temp thermostat which I don't see beneficial in my case.

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I have installed a 180 deg thermostat and see temps as high as 212/215. It’s been a bitch getting all of the air out of the system. I drained the rad and vacuum filled, still have air. Every morning I open the rad cap and fluid level is down a few inches, I then open the overflow res and level comes back up in the rad. Not sure if that’s normal?

One variable here,
I am trying to confirm, but I do not believe these trucks even have a coolant temp sensor, but use cylinder temp instead with an inferred table to display coolant temp.

New Nick at JDM said:

One variable here,
I am trying to confirm, but I do not believe these trucks even have a coolant temp sensor, but use cylinder temp instead with an inferred table to display coolant temp.

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I’ve done the forscan mod that provides a number above the useless guage. Temp does rise quickly when on the throttle.

Wfo said:

I’ve done the forscan mod that provides a number above the useless guage. Temp does rise quickly when on the throttle.

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It is very interesting how Ford came to interpolated coolant data from the cylinder head temp.
It is a weird model, but I guess they care more about the temperature of the metal than the coolant running through it.

nikhsub1 said:

with a 170 thermostat i never see above 195. normal is 180 ish.

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I see the same temps with my 170 t-stat. It used to run as high as 215 before the swap.

Wfo said:

I have installed a 180 deg thermostat and see temps as high as 212/215. It’s been a bitch getting all of the air out of the system. I drained the rad and vacuum filled, still have air. Every morning I open the rad cap and fluid level is down a few inches, I then open the overflow res and level comes back up in the rad. Not sure if that’s normal?

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To be honest you have done everything in the book and if all that didn't help then I guess there is something wrong.

In my case it just ruins my off road trip I keep my eyes on the temp and my foot light of the gas pedal which I really don't like, the truck went to the dealer and they confirmed everything was fine.

Wfo said:

I have installed a 180 deg thermostat and see temps as high as 212/215. It’s been a bitch getting all of the air out of the system. I drained the rad and vacuum filled, still have air. Every morning I open the rad cap and fluid level is down a few inches, I then open the overflow res and level comes back up in the rad. Not sure if that’s normal?

Click to expand...

getting all of the air out is certainly a challenge. I have had the same struggles.

I have:
FR radiator
FR trans cooler
SPD 170 Degree Tstat.


With an ambient of 105 degrees, The truck will idle with A/C on at full blast at 180 degrees. On the highway, Cruising at 70-80, my temps are generally about 205. The temps only climb when I'm doing over 100 mph for more than 5-10 minutes. In those cases, the temp will float to 215-220.

Driving hard offroad, between 40 and 80, my temps will float between 205-218.

I had everything but the SPD tstat on my previous trip. My temps went as high as 265.

I'm planning to install some high CFM spal fans to help with cooling at the "middle speeds" but that is me wanting to make the change, not having to make the change.

as for wintertime starts, the Tstat is mechanical and won't open until 170 degrees, so it isn't going to make it take longer to warm up, it will just run cooler.

the bigger radiator won't lower temps, but it will make sure that they do not "swing" wildly. essentially the bigger rad will prevent overheating conditions ) to a degree) and will give you a larger buffer to react and let the truck cool down. The more consistent temps will also prevent the PCM from pulling timing.


as far as air in the system, do you have an aftermarket overflow tank? If so, go back to the stocker. Also, check the plastic fittings for "drip" leaks. I found one on the lower overflow tank line during the last trip, it was allowing a super small leak, but also was allowing air to be reintroduced into the system. It took a while to find it and it was making me think that I had a head or headgasket issue. Nope! just a stupid fitting leak that was fixed with some waterweld.