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Oil temp higher than water temp...is this normal?

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Old 01-03-2006, 06:07 PM
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Indy-hp
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Default Oil temp higher than water temp...is this normal?

Drove my new C6 Z51 home from Dallas dealer to Houston Saturday and noticed the oil temp was about 20 deg higher than the water temp, around 216 or so while the water temp was about 196. Oil temp also showed at 3/4ths of max on the HUD display, while water temp was at 50%. Is this normal?
Old 01-03-2006, 06:22 PM
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FunDriver
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Doesn't sound like anything to worry about. I have about 4K miles on '06 Z51 and I run similar numbers. My water temp is usually around 199, warmer than the C5's 192, but it can go up 5-10 degrees fairly quickly too. I haven't taken the C6 to the track yet but I'd hit 230's sometimes with the C5 and never had any problems . Putting the air conditioner on would chew up a few horsepower but would also help the water temp because the fan would be on. Also, the Z51 has coolers to help out if it gets too hot.
Old 01-03-2006, 06:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Indy-hp
...the oil temp was about 20 deg higher than the water temp, around 216 or so while the water temp was about 196...
Sounds good to me. My oil is often between 205 - 217 and water around 194 - 200. According to many other posts, this seems to be normal.
Old 01-03-2006, 06:54 PM
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nalto
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oil temp is designed to be at the boiling point of water so that what ever moisture that acumulates(sp) will evaporate.
Old 01-03-2006, 07:16 PM
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Originally Posted by nalto
oil temp is designed to be at the boiling point of water so that what ever moisture that acumulates(sp) will evaporate.
Those who start their engines in the winter every week for 10 minutes just to "wet the seals" should consider this. I won't start my engine at all unless I know I will drive it long enough to get that oil up to full operating temp (over 212) for a while. If my destination is too close too allow for full warm up, I just take my bicycle.
Old 01-03-2006, 07:41 PM
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After it gets warm ,all the Vetts I have had with an oil temp gauge showed the oil to be 8-10 deg above the water temp.
Old 01-03-2006, 07:45 PM
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Driving around town, once the engine gets warmed up, I usually see 198-200 deg. for coolant temp., 210-215 deg. for oil temp.

On the interstate at 75 mph, I usually see 192-194 deg. for coolant temp., 220-225 for oil temp.

A4 with base suspension.
Old 01-03-2006, 07:54 PM
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Yes, sounds perfectly normal to me.
Old 01-03-2006, 08:08 PM
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Velocity Jonny
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Default Well, think about it logically.......

The oil is exposed to the inside engine temps, then cooled by the water jacket, which has a radiator in the loop. The coolant takes heat from the engine, so it seems normal that the oil would be hotter than the coolant.
Old 01-03-2006, 08:40 PM
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Originally Posted by GTC
Yes, sounds perfectly normal to me.
Old 01-03-2006, 09:53 PM
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Originally Posted by GTC
Yes, sounds perfectly normal to me.
Old 01-03-2006, 10:46 PM
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Normal.

BTW, in case any of you don't watch your oil temp, you'd be surprised how long it takes for it to come up to "normal" operating temperature. I watch mine religiously, and won't run the engine even remotely hard until it's over 180. This usually takes about six miles or so, depending on the type driving I'm doing.
Old 01-03-2006, 10:49 PM
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Originally Posted by jschindler
Normal.

BTW, in case any of you don't watch your oil temp, you'd be surprised how long it takes for it to come up to "normal" operating temperature. I watch mine religiously, and won't run the engine even remotely hard until it's over 180. This usually takes about six miles or so, depending on the type driving I'm doing.
Yep, I've noticed that. On cold mornings here, driving at 55 mph between towns, it takes about 8-10 miles for mine. And I've been following that suggestion from others here not to goose it much until it is warmed up good.

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