proper temp reading on red/green gauge?

Old Virginia Joe · Jun 7, 2014

On my '63 Ford 4000, with a new temp gauge, I have been making some changes to stop an overheating situation. When I get all the possible problems fixed, and it is all "good" to where, on cold start up, the needle goes from cold, through the green range, and holds steady at the top end of the green, on the line between green and red, is that ideal? Or, should it heat up and hold in the middle of the green area? Does anyone know what an ideal temp reading would look like, EXACTLY, on such a tractor with a new guage? Just want to know ideal looks like. Thanks.

square1 · Jun 8, 2014

Having serious concerns with temperature on my older tractor I did some searching here. This is the Readers Digest version of my findings.

The temp gauge scale can't be relied on as accurate. Use an infrared thermometer to take readings on the T-stat housing or other metal part where the water exits the engine and before it enters the radiator. Mark your gauge to reflect the temp readings.

Like any other engine, operating temperature should be in the 190 - 210 degree F range. FYI...the needle on my 1700 also holds steady near the top of the gauge when warmed up and operating and it makes me antsy as all get out. Typically a gauge loses accuracy at either end of it's spectrum and should be sized to display designed operating value at mid-point or a little past mid-point, this is what we're used to seeing in cars and trucks.