Engine Temp too cool?

mjmacqua · #1 (**permalink**) 07-31-2009, 01:06 PM

Guys, last year on my old motor I had engine temp problem, car was running at 200 then over heating.

Well the good news is my brand new 501 is running great (built by PCHS racing engines in Bohemia NY).

I changed the water pump to a high volume and some other minor things. My question is regarding the operating temp. Is 165-170 too cool? Personally I am very happy not to see it at 200, but I also do not want to run at too low a temp. I am considering putting in a new 180 t-stat. Current one is 170 with holes in it for continues flow.

What are your thoughts?

Leave it alone, change the t-stat?

Thanks Mike

lineslinger · #2 (**permalink**) 07-31-2009, 01:13 PM

Where is your oil temp.? That's the temp that needs to be dialed in. Seems most use the 180 stat. 170 is on the low side.

bobcowan · #3 (**permalink**) 07-31-2009, 02:05 PM

165-170 is a little bit low. You'll have a greater chance of sludge formation. I would change to at least a 180* stat.

mjmacqua · #4 (**permalink**) 07-31-2009, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lineslinger

Where is your oil temp.? That's the temp that needs to be dialed in. Seems most use the 180 stat. 170 is on the low side.

Not sure of the oil temp... I wasnt able to connect the oil temp sense yet. It will be connecting shortly as I will be doing the first 500 mile oil change. will advise

mjmacqua · #5 (**permalink**) 07-31-2009, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobcowan

165-170 is a little bit low. You'll have a greater chance of sludge formation. I would change to at least a 180* stat.

Thats what I thought, I am going to change it to get the temp up, never thought I was going to have this issue.

kitcarbp · #6 (**permalink**) 08-05-2009, 11:43 AM

Oil temp is important as noted above to minimize water/acid build-up in the oil. But the 180F T-stat indicates when the stat begins to open, not the temp your engine will run at. The engine operating temp "DEPENDS". That will depend on comp ratio, timing, AFR, total power, water flow, airflow and rad efficiency to name the big ones. If you are really running 165-170F upper hose temp in summer ambients, you have a great rad and great water flow, be happy.

You didnt mention the ambient temp or at what road speed your at when you see this temp. Are you using elec water pump or belt driven? In general, you want an upper hose (engine out) temp to be about 190-195F in ambients up to 90F. If ambients go up to 110F in your area you will see upper hose temps near 210F-215F as "normal", it of course depends on water flow and rad eff. I would expect the 501 to be putting out quite a few hps and 165-170 F is great if true, unless you have a monster rad, tell us details about your rad if you can.