Normal engine temp?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Miami Beach FL
Normal engine temp?
Hi,
I have a 79, L-48 with Edelbrock performer intake, carb, airfilter, cams etc.
My car is running very hot, close to 220 a normal day here in sunny south Florida. What is the normal temp? Could it be that the engine temp is ok but the temp gauge is faulty? The Autoshop have flushed it and changed the termostat. Please advice.
//Chris
I have a 79, L-48 with Edelbrock performer intake, carb, airfilter, cams etc.
My car is running very hot, close to 220 a normal day here in sunny south Florida. What is the normal temp? Could it be that the engine temp is ok but the temp gauge is faulty? The Autoshop have flushed it and changed the termostat. Please advice.
//Chris
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,663
Likes: 3
From: Palm Harbor FL
Re: Normal engine temp? (chrled)
Mine ran 220-230 without A/C on hot summer days here in Clearwarter, FL. However, this isn't optimum range. You probably want to get it down to 180-190 without A/C on. With A/C on, 200-210 would be OK, but the 180-190 would be better. I have a stock L82 engine, water pump, radiator, etc. Here's what I did. I flushed the system and replaced it with 15% antifreeze (for lubrication purposes only), 85% distilled water and one bottle of Water Wetter (sold at your local Discount Auto Parts). I then replaced the Thermostat with a 160 degree stat, and replaced all the radiator seals between the radiator and the A/C condensor. This got me down to 160 degrees without A/C on a hot humid day.
First, I would check the fan clutch to make sure it's operating properly. Run the engine until it's hot, pop the hood, turn off the car and watch the fan. It should only rotate about 5 times before stopping. If it continues to spin, it may be slipping and not moving enough air. You'll need to replace it.
Second, I would do all of the above things I mentioned except go with a 180 degree stat. 160 degrees is a little low, and my car struggles to get to 160* now. 180* is more optimal. Most importantly, check all the foam seals between the radiator and condensor. These are very important and are often deteriorated or missing.
Lastly, check and make sure you air dam under the front of the car is there and intact. It is necessary to scoop air and re-direct it up into the radiator. If it is not there or partially broken away, replace that as well.
My $.02
[Modified by 79MakoL82, 10:26 AM 9/19/2001]
First, I would check the fan clutch to make sure it's operating properly. Run the engine until it's hot, pop the hood, turn off the car and watch the fan. It should only rotate about 5 times before stopping. If it continues to spin, it may be slipping and not moving enough air. You'll need to replace it.
Second, I would do all of the above things I mentioned except go with a 180 degree stat. 160 degrees is a little low, and my car struggles to get to 160* now. 180* is more optimal. Most importantly, check all the foam seals between the radiator and condensor. These are very important and are often deteriorated or missing.
Lastly, check and make sure you air dam under the front of the car is there and intact. It is necessary to scoop air and re-direct it up into the radiator. If it is not there or partially broken away, replace that as well.
My $.02
[Modified by 79MakoL82, 10:26 AM 9/19/2001]
