opperating temp

[ty-rone]

Ya I was just wondering what the correct operating temperature is. I had my car idling in the driveway to make sure everything is sound. It warmed to 190 so I flipped the fan on. The fan didn't knock the temp down too much, it maybe went to 185. Is this a normal temp for an idle?

 

[DMAN302]

Depends on the outside temperature..I had mine run for half hour in the garage a couple nights ago with 192 t-stat and JUST crested 180 with outside temp of 50deg. If it was 80's outside then you idle temp is perfect..hell even 60's with your temp is good.

 

[ty-rone]

It was about 15 degrees C so around 60 f.

I was worried because last year my car was over heating on the highway. I swapped out the thermostat but havn't driven it since. So, 190 with the fan on at idle in 60 degree heat is ok?

 

[DMAN302]

sitting still with 60deg is fine, if worried add a bottle of water wetter..it helped me for about 5 deg. I wouldn't even worry about it untill your getting into the 215 range on a regular basis.

 

[ty-rone]

It should be cooler while driving then sitting though right? Last year I was hitting 210 cruising on the highway. I couldn't figure out what the problem was until I stopped being a moron and swapped the t-stat.

 

[NKau]

It should be cooler while driving then sitting though right?

Yes. If you are getting hot on the highway, you are having some kind of flow problem brought on by the t-stat, gummed up radiator, or water pump issue.

 

[ty-rone]

I think it was the t-stat as now when I left it idleing for a while it never went past 190

 

[DarkMesa8]

The only time I would consider 200+ degrees "understandable" (not ok, not acceptable) would be stop and go bumper to bumper traffic. Here your motor is getting a load and no airflow, more than likely sitting in the afternoon sun with the AC blazing.

When there's airflow, things shouldn't be much warmer than your T-stat is rated at.

 

[HISSIN50]

unless i missed it, what temp rating of t-stat do you have? what brand? some are not real accurate (they can open or close a few degrees off).

good luck.