Stupid Question about oil temps

csx4910 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-31-2009, 09:56 PM

The laughing can now commence but I have a stupid question. On those running big blocks, what should the oil temperature be running? I took out my CSX for the first time after finally getting my oil temp gauge replaced (it hasn't worked since the car was new) and after warming up a bit and letting the horses run so to speak, the oil temperature reached 105. After getting off of it and cruising a bit slower, it settled in about 90. I am just wondering what the normal is. I am running a Roush 511. I can honestly say I now know why everyone hates the BFG's that come stock on these cars. After a couple of "accdental wheelspins" I experienced the tires getting very slippery (almost greasy) going around the next few corners. On the other hand, the sweet smell of burning rubber was the best part of my day.
Thanks
Ron

Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB · #2 (**permalink**) 07-31-2009, 11:34 PM

First, check your tire pressure. Should be 20 to 24 lbs. With your hp ANY street tire will be like that. Next, 90 degrees C (194 F) is still normal. It took a long time to get mine to run at 80C (176F). On track days mine would get to 100 C but would lower if I didn't run high rpm all the time. You should have a 19 lb or higher radiator cap if you go up to 105. I know an SPF with a 514 that has run at 90 degrees for 50K miles just fine.

AZ Bob

SandyC · #3 (**permalink**) 08-01-2009, 02:12 AM

I just ran mine from the shop (leaky shock had to be fixed) to home which was 43 miles, mostly freeway. I was forced to make the trip when it was 103 degrees outside, dang. Anyway, on the freeway it showed 90-95 degrees C oil temp, then 85-90 on side streets with both fans running. Water temp was 5 degrees cooler than the oil temp throughout.

Mind you I was taking it easy because of the outside temperature.

My personal plan is that if my oil temp ever hits 110 degrees C I will stop the car and let it cool. I don't use synthetic oil which, I believe, can tolerate a little higher temp than that before breaking down.

csx4910 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-01-2009, 08:39 AM

Okay Thanks for the info. I was leaning on it pretty hard and it was still 105 out. I was probably at close to WOT at 5000-5500 rpms for about 10 minutes. (I covered almost 20 miles in that time frame) so it sounds like temps of 100-105 isn't too out of the norm. It did drop as soon as I slowed down a bit. Bob, thanks for the tip on the tires. I checked them this morning and they were at 28 so I let a bit out of them.
Thanks again.

Gordon Levy · #5 (**permalink**) 08-01-2009, 04:46 PM

With that engine anything under 120 degrees C is fine. Normal operating will be from 90-110.

Spoooky · #6 (**permalink**) 08-01-2009, 05:19 PM

Ron,

My motor runs at about 200 to 210 degrees F oil and water runs at about 210 degrees F. I have electronic gauges that I know are accurate. I know that in the aluminum FE blocks like we have this is normal. I actually had my car out for a quick lunch run because I haven't been in it over a month today. It actually ran a little hotter that this. 220 degrees F oil and 220 degrees F water. Only a brisk 110 outside today. Not bad.

SandyC · #7 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordon Levy

With that engine anything under 120 degrees C is fine. Normal operating will be from 90-110.

Okay, thanks Gordon. I'll bump up my personal maximum allowable oil temp to 120. Hope I never see it though.

Scufty · #8 (**permalink**) 08-01-2009, 07:05 PM

Had my car out today 427 SO
30 C outside
My water temp ran up to 220F which is about as high as it got ...maybe a tad higher in the stop and Go...after about 20 min oil temp was about the same. I was told that oil and water should run about the same once good and warmed up..I believe that this is the best my car has ever run.

sparks · #9 (**permalink**) 09-14-2009, 07:24 PM

K, dont worry ! your oil temp is fine. Oil can take 240 w/ no problem. There is a chart on the performance unlimited website which shows you temp ranges. In city traffic I have seen 115c temps before. Once on the road it always cooled back down. It takes the oil longer to cool than the water temp. Have ya tried cold water from a hose yet?haha.... craig

Excaliber · #10 (**permalink**) 09-14-2009, 08:08 PM

Lowering the air pressure in the TA's will only marginally help, they are STILL worthless with any appreciable horse power.

But yeah, I too love the smell of burning rubber in the morning! TA's got a lock on that!

"...hesitating a bit after coming through a corner." That is pretty typical, those who don't experience are fortunate but I don't think it's all that typical. There are some tricks to tuning the carb that help, like float level. Another BIG advantage is the side pivot floats like the Comp cars ran.

Fitz · #11 (**permalink**) 09-14-2009, 10:14 PM

My engine runs slightly under 180 F for the water Temp. Will go up to 200-205 if I am stop and go.
Never had a problem with oil light coming on. Run one of levy's heat exchangers. Seems to work fine.
Think you will pass out of heat stoke before your oil goes.

You can always turn on the heater and your water Temp will come down. Or is that some stupid ass story that doesn't really work in AZ.

PatBuckley · #12 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 08:55 AM

I'm just impressed that you ran it at WOT for 10 minutes!

I have only been able to do that for about 10 seconds.

RedSnake351 · #13 (**permalink**) 09-15-2009, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatBuckley

I'm just impressed that you ran it at WOT for 10 minutes!

I have only been able to do that for about 10 seconds.

That's because youare in Kalifornia!!!

Ralph