Normal engine operating temp?

[Agarza34]

Hi everyone, so i have a curious question I can't figure quite yet. I have a 2000 Ford Ranger Supercab 3.0 flex fuel 2wd. I removed the clutch fabn years ago and i am now using a 16 in Efan from flexlite. I had a inline thermostat switch on my upper radiator hose that reads pretty accurately. This is my 1st time living in illinois and I want to get ready for the winter. So installed a engine block heater, now have remote start but i want to make sure my engine is nice and health temperature wise for the winter. I had a 180 on temp switch before. I now jsut installed a 200 on. and everything works as it should. for everyday use (daily driving) is that okay. SHould i swap it for a 190 on? What should my engine be at temperature wise, idiling, highway, city stop and go? i need help thanks

 

[Shran]

Normal operating temp is somewhere around 192-195 but it varies. It'll take much longer to get up to temp in cold weather and under load or in hot weather you might see it heat up a bit past that if the radiator can't keep up. I don't really worry about it much unless it starts getting over 220 or so.

To answer your question though, I like to have fans kick on sooner than later. That way it stays cool rather than getting hot and needing to cool off. I'd probably put the 180 degree switch back on and leave it like that.