Cooling system question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 172
Likes: 17
From: Canada
Cooling system question
My 1977 L-48 was always slow comming up to operating temperature but when it did it always ran around the 200 degree mark or slightly above with the air on. I just changed the coolant and at the same time put in a new thermostat - 195 degree - and a new coolant sending switch. Now the temperature gauge rises quickley however, on the road the temperature is reading midway between the 200 degree mark and the first mark prior to the over heating mark. (Just before the red zone) This is when the outside temperature is around 55 to 60 degrees.
Is this too hot???
Should I change to a 180 degree thermostat???
Any comments and/or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Is this too hot???
Should I change to a 180 degree thermostat???
Any comments and/or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: Cooling system question (dkw)
If you put in a new GM (delco) temp sending unit, they are calibrated wrong and read high. Check http://www.ncrs.org archives for lots of info on this topic. even some catalogues caution about the problem.
[Modified by silvervetteman, 8:09 PM 4/27/2003]
[Modified by silvervetteman, 8:09 PM 4/27/2003]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 0
From: Bay City MI.
Re: Cooling system question (dkw)
My 2 cents worth, go with a Robert Shaw stat, 160 degrees. I got mine from Stewart water pumps, you can find them on the net. I don't trust the regular thermostats, and if it is a 195 it wont open completely untill over 200. The Shaw stats are much better quality and not bad for price. Good luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,807
Likes: 0
From: Hoosier
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: Cooling system question (dkw)
The thermostat establishes what the minimum temp of the engine will be. As said above, make sure of your sender, and I'd suggest a 180. Your engine wear and gas mileage will thank you for not going too low in temp. Milidon makes a stat like the Robert Shaw available through Summit.
