Running temp question???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Running temp question???
Just added dual Spal electric fans - car runs at just under 200 deg with a 195 deg thermostat in short stop and go driving.
Only mods are fans and dual exhaust. Lars did my carb. Runs strong - no issues. I did advance the stock L82 cam 2 degrees when I changed timing chain and gears.
When cruising on the freeway, temp climbs to 210-215 from about 200. Outside temp about 90-95. I have timing set at 36 total all in by 2800 Total timing reads 52 - 54 but I have no knock while cruising.
Why is my temp rising when I cruise at freeway speed?
Am I too advanced timing wise?
Am I on track?
Only mods are fans and dual exhaust. Lars did my carb. Runs strong - no issues. I did advance the stock L82 cam 2 degrees when I changed timing chain and gears.
When cruising on the freeway, temp climbs to 210-215 from about 200. Outside temp about 90-95. I have timing set at 36 total all in by 2800 Total timing reads 52 - 54 but I have no knock while cruising.
Why is my temp rising when I cruise at freeway speed?
Am I too advanced timing wise?
Am I on track?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
First lets step away from timing and look into other contributors. How are the seals around the radiator and above the radiator core support? If air is leaking around the radiator it won't be as effective.
Also, do you have the chin spoiler in place? That does most of the work scooping up air and shoveling it onto a path to the radiator.
What mixture are you using? For anything other than freezing temperatures, the more water the better. For your climate I would suggest a 75% water to 25% antifreeze.
I'm sure you checked your fluid level right? When was the last time you flushed and filled the system? It's supposed to be done once every year or so regardless of what the makers of the antifreeze tell you.
Also, do you have the chin spoiler in place? That does most of the work scooping up air and shoveling it onto a path to the radiator.
What mixture are you using? For anything other than freezing temperatures, the more water the better. For your climate I would suggest a 75% water to 25% antifreeze.
I'm sure you checked your fluid level right? When was the last time you flushed and filled the system? It's supposed to be done once every year or so regardless of what the makers of the antifreeze tell you.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 337
Likes: 10
You might have some issues. My 81, with a 1977 350/210 engine, non electronic Qjet and distributor, no smog equip, with dual fans and new stock radiator, with all air leakage blocked, 180 t stat, new Napa pump, with dual exhaust and timing set as per Lars paper, operated at just below 200 in the heat wave here in Ga last few weeks. My fans were off when moving at a min of 20mph. I actually had her out on an afternoon when a record 106 was set.....no problems. FYI, I have certified and calibrated my temp gauge with a lab grade digital pyrometer. The older models probably have some other issues.....I don't have any expierience with them......but I thought you might want to know what benchmarks are out there.
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,365
Likes: 5,244
From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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Running warm on the highway is usually an indicator of a bad radiator or poor airflow.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
having suffered the same problems and narrowing down---look to your radiator first--check the fluid level and decide if that is it. You might have a pin hole leak (like mine did). Check your hoses. They could be the problem and also smell your engine after running--dead give away if it is a leak in the antifreeze--should smell a sweet smell.
Air flow---I have looked into with that for my 76 but have not decided if that is a problem. Nose to radiator seems almost a design flaw. A lower scoop does help.
Ultimately--these older vettes generate lots of heat but don't disperse the it well. I feel the engine heat through my firewall and floorboards well. You are practically sitting on the motor.
Hope that helps
Air flow---I have looked into with that for my 76 but have not decided if that is a problem. Nose to radiator seems almost a design flaw. A lower scoop does help.
Ultimately--these older vettes generate lots of heat but don't disperse the it well. I feel the engine heat through my firewall and floorboards well. You are practically sitting on the motor.
Hope that helps
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Thanks - I realized after reading the last post - I have not insulated the fans around the radiator. My chin scoop is in place but cracked and probably not efficient. That should do the trick.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 20,715
Likes: 25
From: Sorrento Italy
Just added dual Spal electric fans - car runs at just under 200 deg with a 195 deg thermostat in short stop and go driving.
Only mods are fans and dual exhaust. Lars did my carb. Runs strong - no issues. I did advance the stock L82 cam 2 degrees when I changed timing chain and gears.
When cruising on the freeway, temp climbs to 210-215 from about 200. Outside temp about 90-95. I have timing set at 36 total all in by 2800 Total timing reads 52 - 54 but I have no knock while cruising.
Why is my temp rising when I cruise at freeway speed?
Am I too advanced timing wise?
Am I on track?
Only mods are fans and dual exhaust. Lars did my carb. Runs strong - no issues. I did advance the stock L82 cam 2 degrees when I changed timing chain and gears.
When cruising on the freeway, temp climbs to 210-215 from about 200. Outside temp about 90-95. I have timing set at 36 total all in by 2800 Total timing reads 52 - 54 but I have no knock while cruising.
Why is my temp rising when I cruise at freeway speed?
Am I too advanced timing wise?
Am I on track?
