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"Normal" engine operating temperature.

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Re: "Normal" engine operating temperature.

Swendog / Larry -

If you drove your car for 30 min with a slight overheat (in your mind) - your probably OK. Any PM of fluids / pumps (Metal shaft) / etc are never a bad idea.

IF you truely had a serious problem - I just don't think it would have lasted for a 30 min drive. Change your fluids. If you feel eager - take the water pump off and make sure you have all your fins together. A rad flush is cheap and easy (don't know when the last time it was done? do it now.) - or it could be as simple as your coolant mix is out of whack.

My car, I drove the last 2 weekends and enjoyed the heck out of the NE Ohio days, is rock steady at 190 degrees (creeps up in July at a light after a long drive). Oil pressure is steady @ 70 - 80 lbs (engine has been rebuilt @ 10,000 miles ago). I do have an oil cooler and it was one of the 'short list' items that was recommended when I started the massive overhaul. I'd be happy to help you with yours. Is 190 hot? I've been told both -- it needs to be hot to run efficiently and not because all heat is bad???? I can drive mine for 4 - 5 hour trips and am get home without incident. Maybe, my gauge is off -- too lazy to take off and test.

Out of town this week, let's get together next week and compare notes. Call or email later. I understand Cleveland is pretty nice right now (because I'm out of town).

Put on a coat and get out and drive !

Tx-

Geo
 
Re: "Normal" engine operating temperature.

I like the boiling water trick. Im assuming my gauge is working right but for all I know it could be reading all is well and I could be actually over heating. The red zone is about what engine temperature?
 
Re: "Normal" engine operating temperature.

Hey George, I was looking at oil pressure gauges at AutoZone. They sell some real nice add-ons for any car that I thought about getting one and mounting it somewhere under the dash where I can just see it. I never installed one and noticed the package came with everything you need yet it didnt look like much. Where do you plumb the pressure line in at on the motor?
 
Re: "Normal" engine operating temperature.

Sweendog -

My sensor attachs at the cyl head and routes itself along the passenger front wheel arch (inside the eng bay) and through the firewall (middle I think, but not so sure that was stock or easy when we put it back together) and then to the back of the multi-gauge (oil pressure & water temp).

As for universal gauges - mine came with working gauges, but if yours don't work or had idiot lights (64 v 78) -- something is better than nothing.

I always got scared when temps were at / exceeded 212 (water boiling point) - ie get moving to increase water circulation or pull over if your moving. From your posts - it seems as if you have a range but not actual temp #'s. Numbers are a great help.

Maybe someone can pipe in here if they had luck getting a univ gauge working on these cars - I'm not so sure how 'standard' the threads are on the sensor. If you can get past that - your golden.

Tx-

Geo
 
Re: "Normal" engine operating temperature.

Some easy steps to lowering your operating temp a bit, I have found that redline water wetter is good for about a 5 degree drop, your mileage may vary. Also more distilled water, less antifreeze in the mix, anti-freeze is actually a less efficient coolant than water. Don't go overeboard though, as the anti-feeze contains lubricants for your water pump, anti-corrosion agents for your whole system, anti--boil properties, and of course anti-freeze properties, frozen liquid expands, not a good thing for your block.

I go about 1/3 anti-freeze 2/3 water versus the usual recommended 50/50.
 
Re: "Normal" engine operating temperature.

George, your right; my gauge doesnt show any number or anything. It has a "L" (Low)and an "H" (High) that is painted in a red zone. No idea what the range is. I think I will perform the water test so I can get an idea of what the needle is telling me at different areas. I probably dont have any issues. I usually try and be proactive with stuff like this before the warm temps get here and ending up on the side of the road.
 
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