Water temperature?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa Ontario
Water temperature?
I have a 65 vette, 327, 300 hp, manual trans. When I go out for a drive, after 30 minutes the water temperature reads 220-225 and stays there for awhile. What should be the correct water temperature? SHould I be concerned?
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 357
Likes: 28
From: Northern AL
I'm making the assumption that you were reading the temp off of the gauge. With that assumption, I can tell you the answer everyone told me.
The best way to build confidence and to tell if your car is operating at the right temperature is to buy an Infrared Gun (IR Gun). I bought mine for Sears for around $50 - they were right next to the multi-meters. I use mine for lots of things around the house like AC and heater units, etc...
You'll want to take a few measurements on the thermostat housing and on the upper radiator hose just off of the housing. I also check the lower hose to see what is feeding the block.
If the IR gun reads different from your gauges, there are some posts out there that help troubleshoot those issues.
The best way to build confidence and to tell if your car is operating at the right temperature is to buy an Infrared Gun (IR Gun). I bought mine for Sears for around $50 - they were right next to the multi-meters. I use mine for lots of things around the house like AC and heater units, etc...
You'll want to take a few measurements on the thermostat housing and on the upper radiator hose just off of the housing. I also check the lower hose to see what is feeding the block.
If the IR gun reads different from your gauges, there are some posts out there that help troubleshoot those issues.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Maryland
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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With a 180 degree thermostat and a properly set up cooling system my 65 runs 180 all the time. As stated earlier, confirm first that your gauge is accurate and go from there. Lots of info in the archives on this question. An original style aluminum radiator (Dewitt's) is the only way to maintain proper cooling as long as everything else is set up properly. Timing, correct vacuum advance, 50/50 anti freeze/distilled water mix etc. If you have a brass/copper replacement radiator you will never run cool on warm days over 70 degrees.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 592
Likes: 0
From: Grapevine Texas
I went through this same exercise a few weeks ago. Buying the IR gun and checking the real temp reassured me that my car was not overheating, I just have a strange temp sensor. If your engine is not an original block I would guess that your sensor is different from the original.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,202
Likes: 2
From: Bergen County NJ
I had the same issue - the temp was constantly reading around 200 / 210 which didn't overly concern me but I felt it should be lower given my cooling system (Be Cool rad, Stewart high flow alum. water pump, 160 degree therm).
Sure enough we put an IR gun on the hose and the therm and it was reading 160 at idle so we changed the sending unit and now the guage matches the IR gun
Sure enough we put an IR gun on the hose and the therm and it was reading 160 at idle so we changed the sending unit and now the guage matches the IR gun
