Low coolant temp '04 Silverado 5.3

[cp14]

I'm new to the site from Vermont.

My truck has always run right about 195 but just started running about 180 no matter how many miles I go. Thermostat stuck open or bad guage? Any ideas would be great.

[hzhardy]

180 was peak hp for my race car my dad and I ran growing up. It could be from some blockage clearing or your may got cleaned out during a car wash or it could be your therostate getting old, but there is nothing wrong with that temp.

[oldscsc]

You could verify / dismiss the gauge by reading the exact coolant temp on the scan tool.

 

If the truck has a few miles on it, there's a decent chance the thermostat is old and crusty, even if its still working properly. For the price, its cheap insurance to replace it as preventive maintenance anyways.

 

BTW, the truck should show just shy of 210F on the gauge at operating temp. If you go ahead and pick up a new thermostat, stick with the factory temp (195F) to keep the PCM happy and in closed loop.

[txab]

You could verify / dismiss the gauge by reading the exact coolant temp on the scan tool.

 

If the truck has a few miles on it, there's a decent chance the thermostat is old and crusty, even if its still working properly. For the price, its cheap insurance to replace it as preventive maintenance anyways.

 

BTW, the truck should show just shy of 210F on the gauge at operating temp. If you go ahead and pick up a new thermostat, stick with the factory temp (195F) to keep the PCM happy and in closed loop.

 

 

+1

[CapitalTruck]

180 is definitely too cold. Agree on the replacement stat, also, be sure to check the fan clutch if the stat doesn't work.

[Z71Silverado]

Why is 180 too cold? Mine runs at 190-195.

[CapitalTruck]

I think you just answered your own question.

[00Silverado4x4]

Why is 180 too cold? Mine runs at 190-195.

 

Reread post #3.