Engine Temp vs. Coolant Temp
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Engine Temp vs. Coolant Temp
Hi All
The analogue coolant temp gauge is consistently 220 once warmed up, but I recently started using the Tour/Performance view and noticed engine temp is variable, ranging from around 200-215.
I always thought engine temp was the same as coolant temp?
Does anyone know if there are different sensors for the digital engine temp and analogue coolant temp gauges? (or is the digital gauge more sensitive/quicker to respond?)
Also, what are acceptable Oil PSI ranges (also shown in Tour/Performance view)
THX!
The analogue coolant temp gauge is consistently 220 once warmed up, but I recently started using the Tour/Performance view and noticed engine temp is variable, ranging from around 200-215.
I always thought engine temp was the same as coolant temp?
Does anyone know if there are different sensors for the digital engine temp and analogue coolant temp gauges? (or is the digital gauge more sensitive/quicker to respond?)
Also, what are acceptable Oil PSI ranges (also shown in Tour/Performance view)
THX!
Melting Slicks
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My understanding was the engine temp and coolant temp were the same. Possibly reading coolant Temps from 2 different locations.
As far as what is an acceptable oil pressure. As long as you have 10 lbs of oil pressure for every 1000 rpms your in good shape.
As far as what is an acceptable oil pressure. As long as you have 10 lbs of oil pressure for every 1000 rpms your in good shape.
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The analog gauge is basically a glorified idiot light which shows a basically fixed value over a wide range of actual coolant temperature. Ford did this for years with a lot of their vehicles and unfortunately GM is starting to do the same. Coolant temperature does NOT stay the same over varying operating conditions so the analog "semi-dummy" gauge is clearly not telling the whole story. At first I was disappointed that the Z06 doesn't provide a dedicated coolant temperature gauge (a manifold pressure gauge replaces it) but after finding out how the regular Stingray gauge works it isn't a loss.
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Re oil pressure, the old oil pump parameters don't hold with the LT1 plus all oil pumps always had a max pressure control spring so pressure typically stopped increasing significantly after 3000 rpm(depended on the pump and spring.) But the LT1 has a computer controlled lower pressure to save energy. This is the GM statement:
"The LT1 dual-pressure control enables operation at a very efficient oil pressure at lower rpm coordinated with AFM and delivers higher pressure at higher engine speeds to provide a more robust lube system for aggressive engine operation." It definitely is lower than my C6, It's more like a two step level.
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really not reading engine temp at all just "coolant temp" if that makes any sense. coolant is moving pretty fast thru the engine to transfer the heat out thru the radiator and that's where the sensors sit. and I would agree it would depend on where the sensors sit to give an accurate reading but its kind of a guideline.
I could go into what heat has to do with stoichiometric theoretical equations but that's really boring sh&t and just computer calculations really but again its just a guideline to what you might be concerned about. Engine management likes to be around 220 for best fuel results so the coolant fans control the temp around that number. BUT having said that running a cooler T-stat gets the temp down a bit which allows the computer to adjust timing for better power. Cooler is better for performance but not so much for fuel economy but who cares about that on a vette right, lol. regards, paul
I could go into what heat has to do with stoichiometric theoretical equations but that's really boring sh&t and just computer calculations really but again its just a guideline to what you might be concerned about. Engine management likes to be around 220 for best fuel results so the coolant fans control the temp around that number. BUT having said that running a cooler T-stat gets the temp down a bit which allows the computer to adjust timing for better power. Cooler is better for performance but not so much for fuel economy but who cares about that on a vette right, lol. regards, paul
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Will have to plug in my OBDII reader that is supposed to have real time output and see if I can read the coolant temp.
Last edited by JerryU; Sep 10, 2015 at 07:36 AM.
Melting Slicks
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Typically under load (and once normal operating temperature is reached) the oil temperature will run a bit higher than indicated coolant temperature but keep in mind the coolant sensor measures temperature at the high temperature point after it has circulated through the engine including the cylinder head area while the oil cooler is fed return water from the radiator after much of the heat has been transferred to atmosphere so the coolant is much cooler when it enters the oil to water heat exchanger. So it is quite possible for the oil temperature at times to run cooler than the indicated coolant temperature.
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