my zetec runs WAY to cold during the winter months, like. It barely gets past the blue portion on the temperature gauge when driving down the road, I think this may have something to do with my 170 degree thermostat... My dad suggested to me that I cut a piece of cardboard and cover about half of the radiator at the front. Which should slow the cooling process down a bit therefore allowing the engine to heat up quicker and too a better temperature, is this a good or bad idea? Does anybody have any suggestions?
That is an old trick.....and its BAD on the engine. Ummmmm,why you no changey to 180* - 195*? Lazy a**, you go lay in the slush! Just 35 minutes to peace of mind.....and warm feet!
Maybe your thermostat is stuck on open.
Yea, I've read all this interesting stuff about Zetec's running hot. Yet, when I red-line it, i can't even get it to get past "R"...My dad suggests that my theomometer is suck open.
How-to on replacing the thermostat? Why? It's so easy there is no need for instructions. Though if you need instructions, haynes manual will do.
If you can change bulbs, you can change the thermostat.
PS, none of us were born knowing what we were doing. But there is only one way to learn.
I have the same prob Alias. Temp hardly registers on the gauge sometimes.
I think I put a 180 t-stat in last time I changed it, so Im going to try a 195'er. Mine is kind of eratic, though, sometimes it runs in the normal range, sometimes runs way too cool. The previous owner of this car let the coolant turn to mud, so I might be having issues with sticking of the t-stat due to the residual crap in the cooling system.
Whenever it does run in the normal range though, the heater feels like it could blow flames at me... it's just rare that it ever gets that way, even in the summer!
try a 195 degree thermostat... I just put one in my tour' today, completely eliminated the problem. Now the gauge never passes the M on normal, heats up good and quick too. You may also want to try flushing the cooling system.
I would, but I don't even know where to start and plus homework, besides I'm no good when it comes to writing directions.