TR6 Normal running temp for TR6

[jerrybny]

Does anyone know what the normal running temp is for a TR6 when the outside temp is about 80-85? My gauge shows almost 3/4's when the electric fan turns on. The fan turns on at 195.
I'm just nervous cause the gauge is at 3/4. I replaced the sending unit late last year so I don't think thats the problem if there is a problem. aybe almost 3/4's is normal?? thanks

 

[Guest]

Have you checked the temp of the water in the radiator? Your gauge may be off. (My fan only comes on in traffic and stays on about 45 seconds at most. I have no crank fan.) 3/4 seems a bit hot, even in traffic.

Bill

 

[jerrybny]

at what temp does you fan turn on Bill?

 

[Guest]

I have the 185 degree sensor for my Spal 16" fan.
It will come on at a little past the half-way mark on the temp gauge and drop it to a little below the same mark. When I run, depending on outside temp, I usually hover a little over the quarter mark, whatever temp that is.

Bill

 

[Guest]

But then you also have an aluminum rad, no?

 

[Guest]

Aluminum radiator, yes.

And because my engine has been modified so, I think that the rapid heating up in traffic is normal for this engine. I think a fully stock engine would run at a lower temp.


Bill

 

[RomanH]

Jerry,
If you have a 195 deg thermostat in your car you have nothing to worry about. The 3/4 hash mark on the temp gauge is 195 degrees according to my car and infrared thermometer.

 

[Geo Hahn]

The 195 was the thermoswitch for his fan I think. Of course, that (& Bill's info) depends a bit on where that switch is located.

3/4 on the gauge suggests hot... maybe not an immediate problem but leaves you little reserve for a hotter day, slower traffic, long uphill drives, etc. Certainly good to verify with an infrared thermometer as even a new temp sender can be wrong.

 

[jerrybny]

OK I am back. I used the wifes meat therometer(ssh, don't tell her) and the termostat opens at about 165 degrees which good seeing as how I have a 165 degree therostat in there. I can see the water flowing pretty good so I know the water pump is working. Now after idling it for a while today( outside temp is about 90) the water temp got up to 195 which is when the electric fan kicked on. Maybe 195 is ok when idling on a hot humid day?? If 195 is too hot maybe its being caused by an air pocket somewhere in the system? Or maybe I need a lower temp thermoswitch. I am currently using a 195 degree SPAL themoswitch which is mounted in the bottom of the radiator. Any ideas??

 

[Guest]

What was the hottest it got to - did the fan cool it immediately is basically what I'm asking?

It's pretty warm today, so you can factor that in, plus this was all standing, so zero air through the rad apart from the fan...

 

[jerrybny]

The meat thermometer only goes to 195 so I don't know if it got any hotter. I do know that it doesn't boil over.
And yes when the fan kicked in while it was idling in the garage the temp went down a little bit and stayed there.
When I was driving it on Sat it was about 85 outside and as long as I was moving the temp stayed about half way between the halfway mark and the 3/4 mark. when I got stuck in traffic it went to the 3/4 mark and the fan kicked on and stayed on until I was moving again. It never got any higher the 3/4. And I was stuck in traffic for about 10 minutes at a time.

 

[Guest]

Doesn't sound too horrible to me.
If you are still worried, try a 185 fan switch and see what difference it makes.

 

[jerrybny]

Ok thanks. I was thinking of doing that.

 

[Guest]

Jerry, as you well know, unfortunately, they don't give those Spal sensors away, do they....


Bill