Engine temp

[cfitz]

On my new truck (04 2500 HD 6.0) I've noticed that it runs at 205-210 all the time- towing, long trips or just around town. Coolant level is ok and its like a furnace from the heater. Never gets any hotter, and it warms up in a hurry regardless of air temp. My old truck was a 2000 2500 6.0 and it never got above 190. Is this normal? I'll check the sending unit, but I'm asking to make sure I'm not chasing my tail on this one. Thanks in advance!

[dewfpo]

My '05 8.1L runs the same temps as yours.

 

DEWFPO

[00Silverado4x4]

Normal operation. Do you have an owners manual for your truck?

If not...

http://www.extendedgmwarranty.com/owners-manual/gmc/2004-GMC-Sierra.pdf

 

Pg. 3-46 talks about coolant temps.

[cfitz]

Thanks for the replies. I bought the truck used and it was missing the manual.

[ATMINF]

How are you reading the temps? If its the stock dash gauge it is not very accurate. My 2006 2500 HD 6.0L gasser runs between 191-197, it's normally at 193 when moving. I have to look at the stock gauge to see what it's at, but I am normally looking at my Scanguage II, so I am able to get the exact numbers. I do know when it's warming up the stock gauge is way off, I remember this morning while it was warming up the stock gauge was saying it was a little over 160 degrees but he Scanguage showed the temp at 130.

[Chris]

I run at 195 when warmed up. The dash gauge points a hair south of 210.

 

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[Shaners]

From the normal driving position the gauge probably appears to be 200-210, but move your head to the right so you are looking straight on and it will appear to be 5 degrees lower. (I wouldn't expect the stock gauge to be very accurate anyways)

[Chris]

By my OBD reader and tablet I'll stay at 195. I think the thermostat is set to 185ish

 

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[cfitz]

Yeah the only reason I was asking is factory tstat is 186 deg. I'll hook it up to a scan tool and see what the actual temp is. Thanks for the replies!

[Badass69]

Both my 04 2500 and my 05 1500HD read just under the 210 tick on the gauge. Reality when referenced with my scanners is the 05 tries to hold 194 and the 04 seems to like 196. I just retuned my 04 because I added OEM electric fans on the weekend and it doesn't want to drop below 195 thus if I set my kick off for the fans at 194 they just stay running. This really could be inconsistency with the stock sending units and I might toss a new one in my 04.

 

The dash gauge however is more like an idiot light in the sense it takes relatively large swings in temperature for it to respond. The gauge should be abut half way between the middle tick and second to the left tick but that is not the case. It's not faulty sending units as watching the scanner both show normal steady response in 1 degree increments. That is true for both of my trucks. Both trucks have the stock 186 degree t-stat in place.