Winter driving engine temps
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 656
Likes: 5
From: Wright City MO
Winter driving engine temps
I seldom drive my car in the winter so not sure if I should be seeing normal engine temps: 195-200 or something lower with the stock thermostat. I am guessing normal temps but wanted other input.
What engine temps do you see in 30 degree weather?
Thanks,
What engine temps do you see in 30 degree weather?
Thanks,
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My 02 will run about 192 to 196 on the open road. In traffic, which I avoid, it might run up to 220 if it's idling for a while.
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Mine stays about 190-195. Your temps are OK IMO.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Belleville Il
Mine operates right at normal as well,,that is the job of the thermostat!! Just a word of advise,,,flip to oil temp especially when you are starting out. A really good idea is to drive on the conservative side till the oil temp reaches 100. Your oil temp is a better indicator of the mechanical working area(crank rods bearings etc. You will be surprised that the oil takes quite a bit longer to warm up,,and warm oil is working better than cold oil!! I hear slight piston slap(just a faint rattle) till oil temp gets to about 80. Just a word of advise!! Learned to watch from the operator of a chassis dyno!! He NEVER opens one up till oil hits 100!!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 656
Likes: 5
From: Wright City MO
Mine operates right at normal as well,,that is the job of the thermostat!! Just a word of advise,,,flip to oil temp especially when you are starting out. A really good idea is to drive on the conservative side till the oil temp reaches 100. Your oil temp is a better indicator of the mechanical working area(crank rods bearings etc. You will be surprised that the oil takes quite a bit longer to warm up,,and warm oil is working better than cold oil!! I hear slight piston slap(just a faint rattle) till oil temp gets to about 80. Just a word of advise!! Learned to watch from the operator of a chassis dyno!! He NEVER opens one up till oil hits 100!!
I get the piston slap also and always drive easy until I hear it go away. I will start checking the oil temp, good suggestion especially in cold weather.
V/R Slider
Last edited by Slider-01; Feb 3, 2010 at 10:12 PM.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 656
Likes: 5
From: Wright City MO
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 656
Likes: 5
From: Wright City MO
I have a new water pump, new stock thermostat and flushed and burped the system and the radiator is clean.
Just really interesting the range these cars run for some reason.
Last edited by Slider-01; Feb 3, 2010 at 10:10 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Iowa
mine wants to run in the 190's or so. oil temps go to around 185 usually. this is with ambient temps between 0-15*F
one odd thing my charging system runs at about 15 volts when its that cold out. runs at normal levels otherwise.
one odd thing my charging system runs at about 15 volts when its that cold out. runs at normal levels otherwise.
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
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From: Guelph, Ontario
This has been quite interesing. A really wide range of temps. My 97 on the highway in 34 degree weather, although not for an extended time, runs about 198, sometimes see 196; runs similar in the summer time.
I have a new water pump, new stock thermostat and flushed and burped the system and the radiator is clean.
Just really interesting the range these cars run for some reason.
I have a new water pump, new stock thermostat and flushed and burped the system and the radiator is clean.
Just really interesting the range these cars run for some reason.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 656
Likes: 5
From: Wright City MO
I think the difference is because GM put different thermostats in different years. The manual for my 98 lists the thermostat as being a 177-184F unit, while I've heard others with newer C5s mention that their stock thermostat (or the OEM replacement they bought from the dealer) was a hotter one.
