need help understanding temp Gauge
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 13
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need help understanding temp Gauge
Hello fello c3 corvette owners. On my c3-1973 i have the following temperature gauge in the link below. Can someone please tell me
the exact temperature of line between 100 and 210? also the temperature of the line between 210 and 250? My 350 runs at the first line over 100...mostly...but not sure the actual temperature. Any help is appreciated.
thanks
http://www.ebay.com/itm/72-73-Corvet...-/350242051785
the exact temperature of line between 100 and 210? also the temperature of the line between 210 and 250? My 350 runs at the first line over 100...mostly...but not sure the actual temperature. Any help is appreciated.
thanks
http://www.ebay.com/itm/72-73-Corvet...-/350242051785
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
The stock temp gauge is NOT an accurate temp measuring device. I think the markings on the dial are probably within +/- 10 deg F on most gauges; all are probably within +/- 20 deg F.
The mark between 100 and 210 is about 170 deg. F. I have a 180 F thermostat in mine and it runs right at that line.
The only purpose for that gauge is so you can know when something on the engine has a significant CHANGE. So, you need to know where the temp runs (on that gauge dial) when the engine is at temperature and operating properly. Then, if you see the temp reading differently than you expect, it is a 'signal' for you to do some checking and see what's going on with the engine.
A couple of weeks ago, my temp reading was 10-20 deg higher than I would expect. I checked the coolant level and found that I needed to add about 1/2 gallon of mixed coolant. I had done some work on the car and didn't think I had lost much coolant. And, it had been a few months since that work. Apparently I had lost more than I thought and/or more "disappeared".
Point being that the change in the gauge reading flagged me to check into it. That's what those gauges are supposed to do for you, before the engine is having a real problem.
The mark between 100 and 210 is about 170 deg. F. I have a 180 F thermostat in mine and it runs right at that line.
The only purpose for that gauge is so you can know when something on the engine has a significant CHANGE. So, you need to know where the temp runs (on that gauge dial) when the engine is at temperature and operating properly. Then, if you see the temp reading differently than you expect, it is a 'signal' for you to do some checking and see what's going on with the engine.
A couple of weeks ago, my temp reading was 10-20 deg higher than I would expect. I checked the coolant level and found that I needed to add about 1/2 gallon of mixed coolant. I had done some work on the car and didn't think I had lost much coolant. And, it had been a few months since that work. Apparently I had lost more than I thought and/or more "disappeared".
Point being that the change in the gauge reading flagged me to check into it. That's what those gauges are supposed to do for you, before the engine is having a real problem.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
thanks for the information both of you. my main reason is for wondering is i live in florida and driving the car in the hot summer causes me concern while idling in traffic. I dont want to cause damage to the motor if it exceeds 200 degress.
I also have a 69 oldsmobile with a 455 and it ALWAYS runs well over 200 degrees...big blocks always run hotter i guess...
I also do not run coolant in the corvette. Not sure if it is an old wives tale but i heard from friends and mechanics that running without coolant makes it run a few degrees cooler....sound right?
thanks
I also have a 69 oldsmobile with a 455 and it ALWAYS runs well over 200 degrees...big blocks always run hotter i guess...
I also do not run coolant in the corvette. Not sure if it is an old wives tale but i heard from friends and mechanics that running without coolant makes it run a few degrees cooler....sound right?
thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Coolant and water, 50/50. It lowers the freezing point and raises the boiling point of the coolant. Also, the coolant provides valuable anti-corrosion properties that plain water won't provide. Take a scrap piece of clean cast iron and put it in a bucket of water, and see how long it takes to turn all rusty. That is what is happening to the inside of your water jacket.
Keep the shiny side up!
Scott
Keep the shiny side up!
Scott
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
You will not do damage to the motor until the coolant is boiling out and the cooling system is no longer functional. A 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and water and the stock radiator (or overflow tank) pressure cap will allow the system to work well up to 235-240F before the coolant begins to boil. Normal oils are good up to the 250F range or a bit higher. If you use full synthetic oils, they are safe for even higher temps (around 300F for some).
As long as your engine's actual temperature doesn't go over 220-230 degrees F, and the cooling system components are healthy, your engine won't sense much difference.
As long as your engine's actual temperature doesn't go over 220-230 degrees F, and the cooling system components are healthy, your engine won't sense much difference.
