Is my temperature gauge high?

Same spot as mine. So you're saying that all of us who have temp gauges at the same spot as @tacoma665's are running hot? Or have a blockage in our radiator's? That's a lot of trucks running hot! @Rburdeaux

 

I think he means the needle usually sits lower than the 9 o'clock position. I remember reading that if you put the T-stat in upside down (jiggle valve at 12 o'clock) there is about a 10-15 degree difference in temps.

 

yes.

 

there could be other things that impact it but probably running a little hot. still in acceptable rand but anything 3/4 is bad

 

So he used a temp gun on the radiator? Those are pretty exact, what temp did he get from your radiator and what temp should it be? How many degrees over normal were you?

 

about 15 degrees over in different areas of the radiator. he said just keep an eye on the gauge but im good for now. i think it was 50-55 and 65-70 on other areas.

 

he was explaining the they work from top to bottom, and the bottom should be cooler. but mine was hotter. if i remember correctly.

 

Maybe your truck has a problem but like I said in the previous post... the temp needle on these trucks normally sits where the OP's needle is. OP if your worried, get an aftermarket gauge that tells the engine temp or fluid temp. That will put your mind at rest.

My needle is in the same spot even after doing the jiggle valve mod. My temps went from 208 degrees down to 190 degrees and the temp needle is in the same spot.

 

190 is a little high. nothing to fret about. but 175-180 is normal operating temp. maybe thats why your needle is a little high.

 

Interesting, so somehow your coolant gained temperature as it went down the radiator? That sounds odd. I am not sure what you mean with 55-60 and 65-70

 

it goes from a hotter temperature to a cooler temperature from top to bottom. but my radiator goes from cooler to hotter. or should i say "normal" coolant temp to hotter temps near the bottom. meaning i have some blockage down there.

 

I've noticed on a slight difference in coolant guage needle location between pre-2000 and post-2000 Toyota trucks. The earlier trucks had the needle sit lower, at about 8:30, the later trucks sit at 9:00. It's a little unnerving looking down and seeing the needle that high when I'm used to the older trucks.

My 2000 4runner 3.4 auto coolant guage needle sits at 8:30 all day long, with 185° on the Ultra guage. I also have a Trans cooler, Power steer cooler and 24" light bar blocking the radiator. I recently added the Urd colder thermostat, and no change. Truck is 185° on highway, 177° in 4 low creeping on trail. Highest I've seen is 203° going up a mountain grade with my foot in it.

 

where does it sit on urs?

 

If you look at the needle in relation to the "H" & "C" then the needle sits just slightly south of middle.

As far as operating temps, Toyota says 175-186 is optimal. For a worn in engine it seems 188 - 198 is normal range, maybe higher if under load. For aluminum heads 215 - 220 is high and a temp that would start to "move the needle".

 

mine is the same as the pic above

 

Thanks for all the responses. It seems the consensus is that the position of my gauges needle is normal. Mainmoe02, I do have a OBD reader so I will see if it has a coolant temp feature. I am due to replace the timing belt this year, so I will make sure I put the new thermostat in correctly.

 

my bluedriver says i am at 194-200 coolant temp .with heat on full blast is 194(seemed like a smoother ride) and A/c on full blast was 200(seemed rougher). and that is at night time with outside temp at 55 degrees. honestly man i think u may be running slightly hot. run a obd 2 scan tool and check out coolant temp.

 

Mine is at the same spot.

 

if it lines up with the 750 rpm line then its right where it needs to be.