Temperature

[Spchlss]

I recently bought a 720 and am still becoming familiar with it.  I am used to cars running pretty cool so I wanted to know, where the temperature gauge should be running at normally.  Half?  Is a little over half okay?  Or is this saying it’s running too hot?

[datzenmike]

Newer cars run almost at boiling point.

 

The thermostat sets the lowest running temperature. In operation and under load it's usually anywhere up to 5-8 degrees above the posted value. I like it to read at least half on the gauge and a C hair above. Mine will run there all day and climb sightly under load or if idling long enough. At 3/4, my dual electric fans come on. These engines run best at about 185-190F. If not sure, borrow an infra red IR gun and 'shoot' the thermostat cover on the intake.

[Lockleaf]

My 720s usually are 1 to 2 needle widths above center

[Spchlss]

Thanks for the info all.  So does this look normal?

 

[datzenmike]

Visually it looks right. Again, if concerned get an IR gun and shoot the thermostat housing.

[captain720]

I usually figure if they get somewhere and hold it up hill and down your good. The termostat gauge is like the tack, it can vary by up to 300 rpms from truck to truck. Some of mine are a hair over half or a hair under and all have flushed cooling systems with tested functional thermostats.

[Charlie69]

I have had 5 different clusters in my 86 720 king cab and every one varies in the in the tac and the temp reading.  The fuel gauges seem to be about the same.  Speedometers are all over the place and I have a 5 speed with 3.70 gears.