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Old Sep 29, 2018 | 08:26 AM
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Default normal operating temp?

What's normal operating temp for a 75 c3 and or best way to deal with high engine temp? Thanks!
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Old Sep 29, 2018 | 09:48 AM
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Normal temp is the rating of the thermostat. If you have a 195* tstat, then normal temps when thoroughly warmed would be 195*-ish for a properly functioning coolant system. Define high engine temps please.
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Old Sep 29, 2018 | 09:50 AM
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Originally Posted by resdoggie
normal temp is the rating of the thermostat. If you have a 195* tstat, then normal temps when thoroughly warmed would be 195*-ish for a properly functioning coolant system. Define high engine temps please.
230-280

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Old Sep 29, 2018 | 10:46 AM
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Originally Posted by tact78
...230-280...
That range is scary high if you are consistently getting those readings. 190-220 is a common operating range.
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Old Sep 29, 2018 | 12:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Easy Mike
That range is scary high if you are consistently getting those readings. 190-220 is a common operating range.
just got it drove 1:45 back home ran about 210 for 40. Minutes then went to 230 . jumped just under red pulled over sat an hour then ran home at 230started fine the next morning been sitting until registered and tagged.

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Old Sep 29, 2018 | 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by tact78
just got it drove 1:45 back home ran about 210 for 40. Minutes then went to 230 . jumped just under red pulled over sat an hour then ran home at 230started fine the next morning been sitting until registered and tagged.
You need to check the temp with a infrared heat gun at the engine temp sensor and thermostat housing. These old gauges can be off a ways. If it is running that hot for real, then you have some checking to do. There are several things that can make these C3's run hot. Missing lower spoiler in front, missing radiator and hood seals, retarded ignition timing, gunk buildup in radiator, collapsing lower radiator hose, and so on.

Mike
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Old Sep 29, 2018 | 02:49 PM
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If you have a stock engine and cooling system setup, you likely need to change the thermostat (still need to put 195F stat in, because of the ECU requirements) and CLEAN [not flush] your radiator out well. You might also have some issue with the thermostatic fan on the water pump. They can go bad, so that they don't lock-in when their prescribed temperature is reached, and that will make you run hot.

There is an easy 'test' to determine if the thermo-fam is working, or not. Ask if you need it.
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Old Sep 29, 2018 | 02:51 PM
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Originally Posted by 7T1vette
If you have a stock engine and cooling system setup, you likely need to change the thermostat (still need to put 195F stat in, because of the ECU requirements) and CLEAN [not flush] your radiator out well. You might also have some issue with the thermostatic fan on the water pump. They can go bad, so that they don't lock-in when their prescribed temperature is reached, and that will make you run hot.

There is an easy 'test' to determine if the thermo-fam is working, or not. Ask if you need it.
How do you test as im new to this? Thanks again
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Old Sep 29, 2018 | 11:56 PM
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Originally Posted by v2racing


You need to check the temp with a infrared heat gun at the engine temp sensor and thermostat housing...”

Mike
How close should the rubber hose be at the neck to the real temp of the water inside? You think within 5-10 degrees?

Having trouble with a similar issue that started Friday on the way to the Good Guys Show at Texas Motor Speedway.

Last edited by Strokemyaxe; Sep 29, 2018 at 11:56 PM.
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Old Sep 29, 2018 | 11:59 PM
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Get car up to operating temps...up where the thermo-fan should turn on (slow speed, A/C on, hot day, whatever you can do to get it sufficiently warm). Stop, leave engine ruinning, open hood, stand just outside the driver's door and while watching the fan, turn the ignition key OFF. If the fan stops rotating in 3 or less rotations, it is engaging like it should. If it just spins down slowly,it is not engaging when it gets hot. When the engine is hot, you should hear the 'wind' noise of the fan when the thermo-unit engages. Depending on your model and engine/trans configuration, that fan should engage in the 200F-220F range.
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