How hot is too hot?
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St. Jude Donor '03-'10
How hot is too hot?
in 100 degree weather and stop and go traffic with the A/C on full blast, the temperature starts creeping past 220. If I turn the A/C off, it cools back down to around 200. When i'm moving, it sticks right around 200.
At what point do I need to worry? 210? 220? 230?
At what point do I need to worry? 210? 220? 230?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Palm Harbor FL
Re: How hot is too hot? (Chris Fowler '80)
Personally, I don't like it over 220 for any significant amount of time. I don't think 220* is dangerous though. Just FYI, I recently replaced all my radiator seals, put in 15% Anitfreeze / 85% distilled water, one bottle of water wetter and a 160* stat, and my car stays right at 160* (without A/C). That's with a stock radiator and water pump. I'm actually considering going to a 180* stat because it hardly ever goes a bove 160* unless I'm sitting in traffic on a hot humid day. then it may get to 200*.
[Modified by 79MakoL82, 3:47 PM 9/7/2001]
[Modified by 79MakoL82, 3:47 PM 9/7/2001]
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Re: How hot is too hot? (79MakoL82)
I need to dump a bottle of water wetter in. I believe I'm running about 70/30 water/coolant.
I'm not sure what thermostat I've got. At night or on a cool day it stays around 160, so I figure that's about what I have.
If I leave the A/C off, it stays under 200 no matter what kind of traffic I'm in.
220 has been kind of my worry point so far. If it passes that I turn the A/C off and roll down the windows. I have no idea if the temperature would stop rising at 225 or 230. It might. I haven't let it get that high yet.
I'm not sure what thermostat I've got. At night or on a cool day it stays around 160, so I figure that's about what I have.
If I leave the A/C off, it stays under 200 no matter what kind of traffic I'm in.
220 has been kind of my worry point so far. If it passes that I turn the A/C off and roll down the windows. I have no idea if the temperature would stop rising at 225 or 230. It might. I haven't let it get that high yet.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Gainesville, Florida
Re: How hot is too hot? (Chris Fowler '80)
I just drained and flushed my system today. My car got up to 200 the other day which was a big surprise since I've never seen it over 180 before. I got rid of the 50/50 anti-freeze and water mix and put in 100% distilled water and 12oz. of WaterWetter (WW). Where I live it rarely goes below 50 degrees and most of the year its above 80 so I have no need for anti-freeze except for its lubricating properties. I've read that the WW & 100% water combo can be good for up to a 20 degree drop and is the way to go in hot climates and racing applications....plus it provides the lubrication the pump needs. Although WW is not as effective with a 50/50 solution, its supposed to be good for about 8-10 degrees.
For me anything over 200 is a concern (no A/C) but I would say up to 220 would be tolerable for an A/C car. Anything over that, I would look for some measures to get the temp down closer to the 200-220 level.
Mark
[Modified by mdsmith, 5:56 PM 9/7/2001]
For me anything over 200 is a concern (no A/C) but I would say up to 220 would be tolerable for an A/C car. Anything over that, I would look for some measures to get the temp down closer to the 200-220 level.
Mark
[Modified by mdsmith, 5:56 PM 9/7/2001]
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From: Brighton
Re: How hot is too hot? (Chris Fowler '80)
Chris, if you want to forget about the engine temp, install an aluminum radiator. You'll never go over 180 again. $495 6277AF-BAX. I really missed the boat with not investing in wetter water. They must sell a million gallons of that stuff by now. Obviously everone here recognizes that water cools better than anti-freeze and a high water/af ratio will cool better. Has anyone ever tried "just adding the ww" without changing the ratio. I'll bet it doesn't do a thing, it's the reduction in antifreeze that's actually lowering the temp. If there was eight ounces of super liquid that did this majic wouldn't prestone, Havoline, and the others have discovered it by now? Also, I'd be careful with mixes over 70/30, you'll start corroding the internal parts of the rad, engine, and water pump bearings.
Melting Slicks
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From: Lake Villa IL
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Re: How hot is too hot? (Chris Fowler '80)
At 100 degrees, with the A/C on, 220 is not something I'd worry about. I went with 160 degree thermostat and 90% water, and my car now runs too cool (no A/C). Around town, it sticks at 160-170. On the freeway, it hits 200-210.
I think you're alright where you are.
I think you're alright where you are.
