What is the recommended stat temp for a 02 XLT3.0L 2WD

 

190-195degF is stock thermostat

How are you measuring the 206degF, with a IR reader or via OBD2?

OBD2 uses the ECT sensor, so it is not super accurate, but it does read higher that normal

Expected at upper rad hose is 185-195degF
215deg is fine if climbing a longer grade or pulling a load

Temp gauge on dash has center line at about 205 degF

 

USING OBD2, It was fine last week. The engine smelling how today I checked the Obd2 it was reading around 208 the top hose was soft was wondering if the stat went bad.

 

Thermostats are suppose to "failsafe", fail open, but that doesn't always happen

So yes its possible it is stuck at 1/4 open, especially if top hose gets soft with engine warmed up and running

 

What temp should I 190, 192,195,197 or what is recommended going on a long trip soon around 2k miles. When I pull the old one I'll see what shows

 

192 or 195, I use 195 in my 1994 4.0l

I like a warm heater in winter

 

I'll try a195, let you know later, thanks.

 

It was bad, put a 192° in, floats around mid needle, 188 to 190 today's temp. Thanks for the help.

 

Good work

Thanks for the update and the fix