Is it possible to run TOO cold?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,615
Likes: 1
From: New Lenox IL
Is it possible to run TOO cold?
I used to overheat with my car stock quite a bit. Since I've been adding parts, I've been dropping temps to about 165-170, which I liked quite a bit. Last night, I threw in a 160 thermostat and now I'm running about 135-140! Is it possible to run too cold? What's the optimum temp to run at?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Re: Is it possible to run TOO cold? (Lord Odin)
Well..... I think the rule of thumb is never to go full throttle unless you're engine has warmed up to 150 degrees. So, yes I think you're a tad too cold.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 12,597
Likes: 237
From: Bartlett Illinois
Re: Is it possible to run TOO cold? (Lord Odin)
My 89 has been running at 178-188 Deg coolant temp for the last few years. This year I opted to remove the oil Cooler since the oil temp always ran 10deg hotter. My oil temp now is right around 200-215. Having the hotter oil temp will help prolong engine life. I also think that there is a minimum temp to go into closed loop, but could be mistaken
Pro
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 623
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, ON, Canada
Re: Is it possible to run TOO cold? (-=Jeff=-)
Yes, and I think your car is running too cold if it's at 135-140 degrees.
The PCM (computer) in the Vettes uses one set of maps for when the car is warming up and another set once the car is ready. You may be running maps from the PCM that is causing your Vette to run really rich and with passive ignition timing. This means, you are losing horsepower if you are too cold.
Plus, I read a few weeks back that the oil temp in our Vettes should be 200-210 degrees ideally to help release moisture trapped in the oil. Below that and the oil is not working the way it should.
I'm running my Vette at 170-180 degrees water and 200-210 degrees oil after it warms up.
P.S. I'm suprised you can get as cool as 135-140 degrees with a 160 stat. Are you sure your temp gauges are working correctly?
The PCM (computer) in the Vettes uses one set of maps for when the car is warming up and another set once the car is ready. You may be running maps from the PCM that is causing your Vette to run really rich and with passive ignition timing. This means, you are losing horsepower if you are too cold.
Plus, I read a few weeks back that the oil temp in our Vettes should be 200-210 degrees ideally to help release moisture trapped in the oil. Below that and the oil is not working the way it should.
I'm running my Vette at 170-180 degrees water and 200-210 degrees oil after it warms up.
P.S. I'm suprised you can get as cool as 135-140 degrees with a 160 stat. Are you sure your temp gauges are working correctly?
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 32,782
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From: Former NCM Drag Racing coordinator, National director Corvette Challenge Spring Hill, Tennessee: Whiting, New Jersey
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: Is it possible to run TOO cold? (Yello95)
I like them real cool.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 22,267
Likes: 3
From: Dallas TX
Re: Is it possible to run TOO cold? (mackeyred96)
Some BMW's and Mercedes are designed to run around 100 degrees.... how they keep temps that low, i have NO FRIGGIN' clue... but I wonder how they make their engines to run this cool.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,897
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From: La Fontaine Indiana
Re: Is it possible to run TOO cold? (Lord Odin)
i don't think you are runin that cool ether your temp gauge is off or you have a bad thermostat yes i read it is new but it could be defective get a baking thermometer and put it in the radiator while engine is running and up to temp :U
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Advanced
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 75
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Re: Is it possible to run TOO cold? (Lord Odin)
Someone earlier commented on how the computer operates during warm up and how it operates at normal operating temps. The thing you need to remember is that the engine controls operate off sensors, that tell the computer what to do at certain temps. Some computer functions won't happen until the sensors reach the specified temps. So, your computer will never get the correct, if any, current if its running below the required temp. I would definitely check to see if your gauges are reading accurately first. If they are and you are running that cool you may not be running at peak performance.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,615
Likes: 1
From: New Lenox IL
Re: Is it possible to run TOO cold? (RED90SIXLT1)
Well it could be possible that I have bad sensors but I doubt it. I REALLY think I have a bad oil thermostat because I haven't seen that rise above 155 in a long time; even when my engine temp was over 180 for about an hour.
