Can it be that cool?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 779
Likes: 0
From: San Bruno California
Can it be that cool?
Just got the vette running and checking the temp gauge and it between 100 and the first hash mark. Members say my pointer is at 160 degrees. I'm thinking that the hash mark is like 155 degrees. The infrared temp gauge says the water is around 130-140 degrees. Definitly under 150. I know it's too low. One: How do I get it up to the 180 range and why do you think it's so low? I shot the upper radiator hose and it's like 149 degrees. Is it bad to run that cool? Tony
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 1
From: North Bellmore Ny
St. Jude Donor '09
What???? There is no emissions equipment or electronic sensors, so please explain why a cooler temp would be bad?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 1
From: Port Clinton Ohio
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
I don't see that it will hurt anything. It may not run as efficently (might not burn as much of the fuel), but I don't think it's a problem. I think I would just try a new thermostat.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 853
Likes: 0
From: Foxfield, Co
A engine running too cool will have more friction and wear. Part of the job of the thermostat is to warm up the engine quicker. Also if you run too cool the choke wont turn off, causing the car to run too rich.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,155
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From: Kannapolis NC
Or the coolant is bypassing the thermo somehow. Around or through the outside edge. Look at the thermostat when cool, it should be closed and have pretty much spring pressure holding it closed. When put in hot water, it should open (if over 180). Make sure it is seated and sealed around the edges. You can't get 150 on a functioning 180 thermostat unless the coolant is not going through it, but getting around it somewhere.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 779
Likes: 0
From: San Bruno California
Someone recommended that I should run water minus the anti-freeze till the motor breakes in. I have less than 50 miles now. Making sure everything is ok before I put it in. Around 500 miles. Could that be a factor in it running cool?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 3
From: CA
What kind of stat do you have in there. I once ran an Mr Gasket (Robert Shaw) 180 high flow stat and my readings were similar to yours. I replaced it with a Stant 180 and it now have normal readings.
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 2
From: North Royaton Ohio
I ran a 50/50 coolant/water mix when I broke my motor in, and it was fine.
I've had brand new thermostats be bad right out of the box. They're cheap. Put a new one in and be done with it.
I've had brand new thermostats be bad right out of the box. They're cheap. Put a new one in and be done with it.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 779
Likes: 0
From: San Bruno California
It's after running it on the street and highway. Think I'll go and get a new stat and change it. I'm running water only so I done have to worry about spilling. Will let you guys know the outcome. Tony
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 779
Likes: 0
From: San Bruno California
Changed the thermostat and got kind of the same reading, but now the temp neddle is bouncing when I'm driving and still at idle. Don't know why it's bouncing after I changed the stat? I hate this. Maybe the gauge,huh?
Ot sending unit?
Ot sending unit?
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento California
I don't think it's a very good idea to run without antifreeze, as it also raises the boiling temp of the coolant. Normally engines run on the warm side during break in because there is more friction internally as the components seat. I would check the thermostat you have, this can be done by dropping it in water that is warmer than 180 deg. and visually verifying that it opens, and closes when removed from the hot water.
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, the World
One of the reasons for running a thermostat is to keep the engine temp high enough to evaporate any condensation which forms when the motor is cool. If the motor doesn't get hot enough to evaporate the condensate, you end up with some water in the oil.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 779
Likes: 0
From: San Bruno California
anyone know why the gauge is bouncing now since I changed the thermostat? Bad gauge?
Can the new sending unit not match the gauge? ( someone says) Still doesn't eeplain the low temp. I checked the last thermostat and it does open pass 180 and closes when cooled down.
Can the new sending unit not match the gauge? ( someone says) Still doesn't eeplain the low temp. I checked the last thermostat and it does open pass 180 and closes when cooled down.