Overheat Damage?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 560
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From: Fair Oaks CA
Overheat Damage?
The engine in my autotranny 89 is rebuilt, with AFR heads.
The other day, in stop-n-go traffic with AC on and outside air temp of 105, the water temp hit 262. Because I was having to watch out for lane changers, I didn't notice the temp getting hotter and hotter. It hit 260 right before I pulled off at my destination. Oil temp was 243 (Mobil 1).
I immediately shut off the AC, popped the hood, and let the vans pull in some air. Temp started dropping right away; I shut it down at 212. The next morning, I checked the coolant level and it's the same as before--full. Oil looks no worse for wear.
But I'm wondering if anything got damaged. Haven't noticed any difference in how it runs; no coolant smell or smoke from the exhaust. The engine rebuilder said I should be okay because the AFR heads are better quality aluminum than stock, and the other engine parts are better than stock too. This weekend, I'm going to remove the radiator shroud and clean out the leaves and junk trapped in there.
But 262 is still pretty hot. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
-WL
The other day, in stop-n-go traffic with AC on and outside air temp of 105, the water temp hit 262. Because I was having to watch out for lane changers, I didn't notice the temp getting hotter and hotter. It hit 260 right before I pulled off at my destination. Oil temp was 243 (Mobil 1).
I immediately shut off the AC, popped the hood, and let the vans pull in some air. Temp started dropping right away; I shut it down at 212. The next morning, I checked the coolant level and it's the same as before--full. Oil looks no worse for wear.
But I'm wondering if anything got damaged. Haven't noticed any difference in how it runs; no coolant smell or smoke from the exhaust. The engine rebuilder said I should be okay because the AFR heads are better quality aluminum than stock, and the other engine parts are better than stock too. This weekend, I'm going to remove the radiator shroud and clean out the leaves and junk trapped in there.
But 262 is still pretty hot. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
-WL
Race Director
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 14,267
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From: Plymouth MI Formerly Milford, MA MI
W. Detroit Events Coordinator
Cruise-In VI Veteran
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Cruise-In VII Autocross Champ
Re: Overheat Damage? (White Lightning)
At the track tuesday
Mine hit 260 + on the Coolant and 300+ on the oil the coolant gauge was pinned I drove it easy for about 2 minutes before the temp started to come down.
So far every thing looks OK :(
Mine hit 260 + on the Coolant and 300+ on the oil the coolant gauge was pinned I drove it easy for about 2 minutes before the temp started to come down.
So far every thing looks OK :(
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,615
Likes: 1
From: New Lenox IL
Re: Overheat Damage? (L98Terror)
About a year or so ago, I blew my radiator and the temp on the engine was pegged off scale high before I knoticed it. I was able to drive it home carefully by constantly adding water but I haven't knoticed any damage and I think I would have by now. I didn't even look at my oil temp though.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Enter Post Count Here
Re: Overheat Damage? (White Lightning)
257 with stock alluminum heads in my 87 equaled a new motor, I had the heads thoroughly checked out and there was no warpage. The motor guy recommended like a 0.005 mill to be absolutely sure, and I went with it because it also bumped my CR closer to my goal of 11:1
