Operating temp too low?

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Matt121

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I feel like the normal operating temp of my 5.7 96 Tahoe is too low, am i right?

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This is where it is when it warms up fully


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Matt121

Matt121

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Ill check it out, thanks for the help


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iCajun

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Agree with Danny as I just replaced one in a 454 that wouldn't close. However, it might be the gauge or sender. If you have a reader you can compare the gauge with the computer, or take a sensor resistance reading and look at the temperature sensor table.
 

east302

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For comparison, I have a 98 Tahoe and truck. Both read like this when warmed up. I think both have the 195-degree thermostat.

47641a62d12cf33e45c5a4ca1e0a4760.jpg

If the upper radiator hose gets hot after a few minutes, then your thermostat is opening up. The tick marks on these dash gauges are hard to figure out and don't look to be linear, but with a scanner you can read the output of the coolant temperature sensor.
 

retorq

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I have a 180 thermostat in my Tahoe and it rides just like yours does OP.
 
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Matt121

Matt121

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When its really warmed up its at east302's mark, but i think i did the calculation a while back and thats roughly around 160-170 degrees, which seems kind of low to me.

Should i worry and fix it or its fine? My mpgs are shit anyway lol


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willxfs

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I have a 1998 2 door tahoe. I have tried three thermostats over the years. 160 degree, 185 degree and 195 degree. The temp on the gauge would always read about 155 to 160 degrees. Just what Matt and East's pics show. Just yesterday I installed a new temp sensor. The one on the drivers side block just below the exhaust manifold. Now its reading 1 line above the 210 mark. (I think I have the 195 degree thermostat in now). Pretty sure that temp sensor was original to the truck. Seems to be reading a little high now... Temp sensor was pretty cheap on Rockauto. Good luck.
 
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Matt121

Matt121

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Ill change the sensor and see what happens


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jiggie

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Mine runs about the same as op and others and seems to be fine. None of the mechanics seem to have any concerns and say everything is normal. All the cooling system was replaced in feb and flushed. New sensors waterpump, coolant flush, etc


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