What is NORMAL operating temp?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 367
Likes: 100
From: ACUSHNET MA
What is NORMAL operating temp?
I have a stock 1990 L98 convertible, my wife and I went out for a drive yesterday, it was 55 degrees. We drove 45 min, stopped for about 1 hour and 45 min home. The temp gauge never went above 150, is this normal? I thought that they normally average around 200. Thanks in advance for any replies.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 367
Likes: 100
From: ACUSHNET MA
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,109
Likes: 4,137
From: Kannapolis NC
Does the heat work? You might shoot the thermo housing with an infrared temp gun to verify the sensor. The thermostat may be in there, but stuck open. If it's truly at 150, I wouldn't think the heater would get very hot.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
I run a 160deg T-stat in my '88 (did it in prior '88 for >12yrs with no ill effects) and the gauge runs around 155deg on highway. I just do not like the engine running in the 210-215deg range; it still provided good heat on cold winter days.
I also run full synthetic motor oil changed at regular intervals so have no worries about engine damage.
I also run full synthetic motor oil changed at regular intervals so have no worries about engine damage.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 367
Likes: 100
From: ACUSHNET MA
Thanks guys, I've had the car 2 yrs and I always am looking at my gauges, but for some reason until the other day it never crossed my mind that it was running low temp. I have had the heat on, and I do get heat out of it, but I don't take it out in the winter. To change the subject my thoughts & prayers go out to everyone that was injured at the Boston Marathon yesterday.
