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?
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.