Heating problems

[DukeCity]

So I have a few questions. First one is my trucks water temp gauge doesn't move at all when ever the trucks running, I'm not sure if it's the thermostat or the sending unit or what. Second is my heater is only getting lukewarm heat. I flushed the whole cooling system and the heater core separately and it got a little warmer but not much. I'm also running 5w-10 synthetic oil from Valvoline if that helps. Thanks!

 

[Banditlee23]

i couldn't tell ya why your gauge isn't working, i would try a coolant temp sensor. and if it's only luke warm, maybe try a 195 degree thermostat. Mine runs cold as well, but i've got a 180 degree thermostat. makes a huge difference between the two.

 

[DukeCity]

I replaced the thermostat with a fail safe one from orilleys but I'm not to sure on the temperature of it

 

[Chewy]

Why 5W10? Seems awful thin on the hot end. 0W30 I could understand for cold weather starting, but not 5w10.

 

[DukeCity]

Well I live in Albuqerque so it's about 40 here for the high. I normally run 10w-30 but the shop was out when I went

 

[SmokedRam]

5W10 is way too thin at operating temp for that engine. Run a 5W30 at your next oil change. The 10W30 and 5W30 are the same exact oil at operating temp, but the cold viscosity of the 5W30 will benefit you in cold start.

As for the temp, it possible the thermostat has failed, even though it's new. However, I would burp the system first. If that doesnt work, check the coolant temp sensor...if still no change, I would get an aftermarket temp gauge or borrow one and verify that the temp gauge is working properly in your dash.

 

[Chewy]

Yeah... 5W10 is nuts... I run 5w30 in my 6.0 all year long and it's seen -20º weather... I have run 0w30 in the past though, but found it unnecessary.

My old Ford Escape used 5W20 and that was mainly for fuel mileage.

 

[DukeCity]

Okay thanks for the oil info, is there any way to check if the thermostat is working?

 

[Chewy]

Pull it out and stick it in a pot on the stove and heat. Put a thermometer in the water and check to see if it's opening at the correct time. The heat range should be stamped on the thermostat.

Otherwise just remove, chuck, replace and test.

 

[DukeCity]

Okay I'll have to do that seeing how it's break and there's nothing to do out here

 

[Chewy]

Get gaskets if applicable!

 

[DukeCity]

The thermostat was stuck open, i got a new one fixed the temp gauge. I however lost heat

 

[Okiespaniel]

It wouldn't suprise me if the 2nd one is bad. You didn't buy another "safe" one from Autozone did you?

 

[DukeCity]

I didn't get another fail safe one so I hope. It won't get stuck

 

[DukeCity]

Thanks for the help guys, I added more antifreeze and now my heater works perfectly!