Temps and stat
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
That's acceptable to most. I start to worry above 200* at highway speed in July however.
Remember:
Overheating at speed is a Water circulation issue.
Overheating at idle is a Air circulation issue.
Remember:
Overheating at speed is a Water circulation issue.
Overheating at idle is a Air circulation issue.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Jan 16, 2019 at 06:54 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
the chin spoiler on the front channels higher pressure ram air through the radiator and creates a lower pressure behind the radiator causing air flow. Increasing the size of the chin spoiler and bringing it closer to the ground increases the low pressure behind the radiator.
I use a big aluminum radiator and have tried different aluminum water pumps and pulley diameters. Doubling the gallon per minute doesn't double the cooling
I've also played with decreased frontal Sq. Inches needed to cool at terrific high speeds at long distance sustained open road racing. Just look at a modern Vette front end
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
Its a broad statement that reflects 90% of overheating issues. It makes sense. If the vehicle is traveling at 50, 60, 70, mph then its getting plenty of air circulation.
So that leaves IGN timing, or that leaves water circulation issues. Inside clogged Rad, water jacket issues, thermostat, missing spring in lower Rad hose, waterpump, etc.
Overheating at stand still or idling, there is little to no air forced through the Rad. But most likely the waterpump can keep up. So investigation would include air circulation items: fan, clutch fan, fan belt, outside blocked radiator, missing Rad foam seals, missing shroud, etc.
So that leaves IGN timing, or that leaves water circulation issues. Inside clogged Rad, water jacket issues, thermostat, missing spring in lower Rad hose, waterpump, etc.
Overheating at stand still or idling, there is little to no air forced through the Rad. But most likely the waterpump can keep up. So investigation would include air circulation items: fan, clutch fan, fan belt, outside blocked radiator, missing Rad foam seals, missing shroud, etc.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 542
Likes: 3
From: Bloomfield Hills MI
I had this problem and a hi-flow thermostat (moroso?) completely eradicated the issue. I also drilled the 1/8" hole to prevent air pockets - also a huge success. 468 with a Dewitt radiator (awesome) with all seals, dams, and shrouds in place to spec, rebuilt standard clutch fan. I cannot recall the T-stat rating but I get to 195 and never seem to vary, no matter the ambient temperature or speed.
Last edited by spinadog; Jan 17, 2019 at 12:48 PM.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
Always keep in mind that the thermostat can only control the minimum temperature of the engine. The thermostat has no control at all over maximum temperature of the engine. If you're having overheating problems, you won't solve it with a thermostat temperature range change, unless the thermostat is defective. 
Lars
Lars
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Always keep in mind that the thermostat can only control the minimum temperature of the engine. The thermostat has no control at all over maximum temperature of the engine. If you're having overheating problems, you won't solve it with a thermostat temperature range change, unless the thermostat is defective.
Lars
Lars
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
Always keep in mind that the thermostat can only control the minimum temperature of the engine. The thermostat has no control at all over maximum temperature of the engine. If you're having overheating problems, you won't solve it with a thermostat temperature range change, unless the thermostat is defective.
Lars
Lars
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,374
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From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
No. The 'stat cannot control max temp. Only minimum temp. Once the thermostat is open, it's open, and it cannot do anything more. Max temp is controlled by cooling system capacity, heat load into the system, and heat exchange efficiencies.
Lars
Lars
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
A 195 degree thermostat installed in an optimized cooling system will run 195 degrees.....
if the cooling system is inadequate, it will blow past 195 and keep climbing.....
Thermostats control the minimum operating temperature, not the maximum.
Jebby
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
Let me put it this way....
If your Vette runs 230 degrees with a 195 thermostat
it will run 230 degrees with a 180 or 160 thermostat as well.....it just will.
If your Vette runs a steady 180 with a 180 stat....you Might run cooler with a 160....if the cooling system is that efficient enough.
Jebby
If your Vette runs 230 degrees with a 195 thermostat
it will run 230 degrees with a 180 or 160 thermostat as well.....it just will.
If your Vette runs a steady 180 with a 180 stat....you Might run cooler with a 160....if the cooling system is that efficient enough.
Jebby
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
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From: Central Texas
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Let me put it this way....
If your Vette runs 230 degrees with a 195 thermostat
it will run 230 degrees with a 180 or 160 thermostat as well.....it just will.
If your Vette runs a steady 180 with a 180 stat....you Might run cooler with a 160....if the cooling system is that efficient enough.
Jebby
If your Vette runs 230 degrees with a 195 thermostat
it will run 230 degrees with a 180 or 160 thermostat as well.....it just will.
If your Vette runs a steady 180 with a 180 stat....you Might run cooler with a 160....if the cooling system is that efficient enough.
Jebby
Pro
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 708
Likes: 150
From: Minnesota
So, what running temp is too LOW in your opinions? I'm thinking change up to 180 stat to bring my temp up, as my combo is running down at 160 with the 160 thermostat. Is that sufficient for good combustion? In the spring and fall it doesn't give much for heat in the cockpit.