operating temp question
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
operating temp question
I'm curious what other '78 L82 owners find as their "normal" operating temperature.
I have a new 195* degree t-stat in, newly flushed radiator with new coolant, good fan clutch, and the correct seals on the radiator/core support and I'm running approx 205*-210* as my operating temp whether on open highway or around town.
(yes, I know the t-stat doesn't dictate what the temp will rise to, only the minimimun temp).
My '65 normally runs only arounnd 180*-190*.
Do the later C3's typically run at higher temps as normal or do i need to start looking for cooling system problems?
I have a new 195* degree t-stat in, newly flushed radiator with new coolant, good fan clutch, and the correct seals on the radiator/core support and I'm running approx 205*-210* as my operating temp whether on open highway or around town.
(yes, I know the t-stat doesn't dictate what the temp will rise to, only the minimimun temp).
My '65 normally runs only arounnd 180*-190*.
Do the later C3's typically run at higher temps as normal or do i need to start looking for cooling system problems?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
ok, cool. than so far 205*-210* doesn't seem to be too far out of line to be concerned about.
i'll wait for a few more responses but so far i'm feeling a little better.
It just feels strange to see the guage that high when i'm used to the lower operating temp on my '65.
If I saw 210* on the '65 I'd be REAL worried and would probably pull over and turn off the car!
i'll wait for a few more responses but so far i'm feeling a little better.
It just feels strange to see the guage that high when i'm used to the lower operating temp on my '65.
If I saw 210* on the '65 I'd be REAL worried and would probably pull over and turn off the car!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,545
Likes: 3
From: 406ci SB, AFR 180 Heads - 490 HP @5,600 RPM 529 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM
Barry, my other cars 72-350 & 71-454 Vette's all run around these temps, so it's seems to be the norm for C-3's. But it's nice see what others say also.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
thanks Glass.
I guess it's just the difference in motors and airflow characteristics to affect the cooling and operating temps between the C2's and C3's.
I just wanted to make sure I didn't have anything to worry about.
I guess it's just the difference in motors and airflow characteristics to affect the cooling and operating temps between the C2's and C3's.
I just wanted to make sure I didn't have anything to worry about.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,930
Likes: 11
From: AnyTown NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Barry, don't know about a 78 but my 71 runs 180-190 like your 65......I've never seen it higher than that on the hottest of days w/ac on.
Last edited by gq82; Apr 26, 2006 at 11:26 PM.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
Originally Posted by gq82
Barry, don't know about a 78 but my 71 runs 180-190 like your 65......I've never seen it higher than that on the hottest of days w/ac on.
interesting. I really wonder now if the later model cars do run at a hotter operating temp than the older cars.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 5
From: 2010 C6 Grand Sport Convertible
Your gauge may be off by a few degrees too. My '78 L-82 ran a consistant 190-200 degrees with or without the clutch fan setup. I installed dual SPAL's and with the OEM 190 deg thermostat, the temps were the same. I've recently swapped out the stat with a 160 deg, and wow my engine temps came right down. Now, unless I'm in traffic, I run 160-170 consistantly. Try a lower rated thermostat, if the airflow can reduce engine temps, then it will. Just my .02
Mike
Mike
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Barry,
Those operating temps are normal for a stock late-C3 engine. My former 1979 ran that way for the many years I had it. It would touch 220 at times in the heat of July on the highway. Keep in mind the red-line is up around 260. With the optional auxiliary electric fan, the sensor would not even kick on until about 236.
These temps were necessary for emissions reasons. Many people think that cooler is better but not necessarily so. The cat con needs heat to function properly and to avoid being plugged up. Mine originally (the pellet type) was and I installed a high-flow, honeycomb version approved by the EPA. Temps were the same but runnability was much approved.
Those operating temps are normal for a stock late-C3 engine. My former 1979 ran that way for the many years I had it. It would touch 220 at times in the heat of July on the highway. Keep in mind the red-line is up around 260. With the optional auxiliary electric fan, the sensor would not even kick on until about 236.
These temps were necessary for emissions reasons. Many people think that cooler is better but not necessarily so. The cat con needs heat to function properly and to avoid being plugged up. Mine originally (the pellet type) was and I installed a high-flow, honeycomb version approved by the EPA. Temps were the same but runnability was much approved.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 5
From: South of London, Engerland
My '76 has a new radiator, new pump, a fan clutch, stock fan and stock shroud, and runs at 180* pretty much constantly here in the UK.
I have a cool thermostat (185*?).
Dunno if that helps ya.
I have a cool thermostat (185*?).
Dunno if that helps ya.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
cool, thanks everyone.
I guess I don't have to worry about it as it sounds like my operating temps are ok.
Paul, yes, that's what I had in the back of my mind that these later cars ran hotter than the older onesl and was thinking that the emiision stuff was one reason. Your explanation seemed to jive exactly to what I was figuring so it makes me feel a lot better now.
I guess I don't have to worry about it as it sounds like my operating temps are ok.
Paul, yes, that's what I had in the back of my mind that these later cars ran hotter than the older onesl and was thinking that the emiision stuff was one reason. Your explanation seemed to jive exactly to what I was figuring so it makes me feel a lot better now.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,930
Likes: 11
From: AnyTown NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Originally Posted by BarryK
oh sure, you have to be different and make me think about being concerned again.........
interesting. I really wonder now if the later model cars do run at a hotter operating temp than the older cars.
interesting. I really wonder now if the later model cars do run at a hotter operating temp than the older cars.
, but I think Paul67's exp is a good one especially concerning the cat...I think your in good shape.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 760
Likes: 1
From: N.W. Arkansas
Originally Posted by paul67
Barry,
Those operating temps are normal for a stock late-C3 engine. My former 1979 ran that way for the many years I had it. It would touch 220 at times in the heat of July on the highway. Keep in mind the red-line is up around 260. With the optional auxiliary electric fan, the sensor would not even kick on until about 236.
These temps were necessary for emissions reasons. Many people think that cooler is better but not necessarily so. The cat con needs heat to function properly and to avoid being plugged up. Mine originally (the pellet type) was and I installed a high-flow, honeycomb version approved by the EPA. Temps were the same but runnability was much approved.
Those operating temps are normal for a stock late-C3 engine. My former 1979 ran that way for the many years I had it. It would touch 220 at times in the heat of July on the highway. Keep in mind the red-line is up around 260. With the optional auxiliary electric fan, the sensor would not even kick on until about 236.
These temps were necessary for emissions reasons. Many people think that cooler is better but not necessarily so. The cat con needs heat to function properly and to avoid being plugged up. Mine originally (the pellet type) was and I installed a high-flow, honeycomb version approved by the EPA. Temps were the same but runnability was much approved.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Middletown CT
I think that the difference in temps between the early and later vettes is because of the air conditioning radiator up front. I just took mine off and some time this week I'll find out what the difference in temp is.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Think of it another way in terms of the cooling system and its capacity. Water boils at 212F. The cooling system should have a 50:50 water/glycol mix under about 15psi pressure from the rad cap. That brings the boiling point even higher. So running at 200F does not even reach the boiling point of undiluted water under no pressure.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Originally Posted by BarryK
I'm curious what other '78 L82 owners find as their "normal" operating temperature.
I have a new 195* degree t-stat in, newly flushed radiator with new coolant, good fan clutch, and the correct seals on the radiator/core support and I'm running approx 205*-210* as my operating temp whether on open highway or around town.
(yes, I know the t-stat doesn't dictate what the temp will rise to, only the minimimun temp).
My '65 normally runs only arounnd 180*-190*.
Do the later C3's typically run at higher temps as normal or do i need to start looking for cooling system problems?
I have a new 195* degree t-stat in, newly flushed radiator with new coolant, good fan clutch, and the correct seals on the radiator/core support and I'm running approx 205*-210* as my operating temp whether on open highway or around town.
(yes, I know the t-stat doesn't dictate what the temp will rise to, only the minimimun temp).
My '65 normally runs only arounnd 180*-190*.
Do the later C3's typically run at higher temps as normal or do i need to start looking for cooling system problems?
Rich