engine temp question

SurfaRiver · 08-29-2004, 10:13 PM

I'm sure this gets asked all the time, but how hot is too hot? I've been wondering about my old hot/cold engine temp so i installed a digital one. it was hot as balls today and i was normally running around 200 F but once i opened it up on the highway it went up to about 238 F. Whats safe, when does it start affecting engine life?

MArk

tmoss · 08-30-2004, 07:17 AM

Those temps are about what Ford designed. You always run a little warmer on the highway.

GhettoPop · 08-30-2004, 08:44 AM

238 seems a little hot for the highway, does anyone else agree?

SurfaRiver · 08-30-2004, 08:50 AM

that was only going 75 too, i like to go faster

88fivepointoh · 08-30-2004, 01:03 PM

Well first off if you opened her up and were going 75 then I think somethings up here.. HEHE, but yes 238 is way to hot... How is your radiator and compents? I would install a 180 degree thermostat in the motor and you will stay a whole lot cooler. but yes I agree those numbers are way to hot. Highway should be cooler than city driving.

tmoss · 08-30-2004, 01:14 PM

If the temp climbs as you gpo faster, then the colling system capacity has issues. Lower radiator fins blocked, etc. Taken the radiator out and flushed it in the last couple of years?

88fivepointoh · 08-30-2004, 01:24 PM

Totally agree with tmoss

SurfaRiver · 08-30-2004, 03:12 PM

said f` it, just bought a new fms radiator, electric fan set up, header wraps, and carb (think it ran too lean up top) from summit. thank god for 12 mo same as cash. we'll see how it does then

88fivepointoh · 08-30-2004, 03:27 PM

man you went nutz... Same ass cash beautiful thing, change the thermostat to a 180 and might as well get a new water pump.. complete the project!

SurfaRiver · 08-30-2004, 07:21 PM

got the new water pump last week in east bu ** new york when the old one (less than a year old) took a shit. thats when i started wondering if i was running too hot

88fivepointoh · 08-30-2004, 07:54 PM

sweet, just drop the thermostat to 180 and your all set!

08-29-2004, 10:13 PM	#1
SurfaRiver Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 54	engine temp question I'm sure this gets asked all the time, but how hot is too hot? I've been wondering about my old hot/cold engine temp so i installed a digital one. it was hot as balls today and i was normally running around 200 F but once i opened it up on the highway it went up to about 238 F. Whats safe, when does it start affecting engine life? MArk __________________ 1979 Mustang ... 12K Holley 600 CFM 4 bbl Edlebrock Performer RPM Comp Cam 8.8 Rear end with posi from 88 stang Next Projects AFR Heads Stroker Crankshaft and new Pistons T5 Runs 15.0 now, need more traction

08-30-2004, 07:17 AM	#2
tmoss Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Saint Louis, MO Posts: 634	Those temps are about what Ford designed. You always run a little warmer on the highway. __________________ Tom (Torque) Moss 88Gt 5spd Vert, FLowmaster Catbacks, stock cam advanced 4° @ 108.5° ICL, NMRA prepped GT40P heads 1.85/1.55 valves and 1.7 rockers, MAC P headers Jet-Hot coated, 97 Exlporer intake (ported lower), TB and injectors. 277RWHP/330RWTQ (SAE). http://www.fastlanecars.com/

08-30-2004, 08:44 AM	#3
GhettoPop Gimme a Drink! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: NYC Posts: 694	238 seems a little hot for the highway, does anyone else agree? __________________ 1990 GT,stock T-5,K&N w/o air silencer,March underdrives,FMS wires,timing@14*,PA Perf 130amp alt,Steeda Tri-Ax Shifter,Steeda adj quadrant/clutch cable/firewall adj,Centerforce II clutch,o/r x-pipe,Magnaflow SS catback,g-load brace, subframes,Bilstein struts/shocks,Autometer gauges, 136k and running strong!

08-30-2004, 08:50 AM	#4
SurfaRiver Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 54	that was only going 75 too, i like to go faster __________________ 1979 Mustang ... 12K Holley 600 CFM 4 bbl Edlebrock Performer RPM Comp Cam 8.8 Rear end with posi from 88 stang Next Projects AFR Heads Stroker Crankshaft and new Pistons T5 Runs 15.0 now, need more traction

08-30-2004, 01:14 PM	#6
tmoss Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Saint Louis, MO Posts: 634	If the temp climbs as you gpo faster, then the colling system capacity has issues. Lower radiator fins blocked, etc. Taken the radiator out and flushed it in the last couple of years? __________________ Tom (Torque) Moss 88Gt 5spd Vert, FLowmaster Catbacks, stock cam advanced 4° @ 108.5° ICL, NMRA prepped GT40P heads 1.85/1.55 valves and 1.7 rockers, MAC P headers Jet-Hot coated, 97 Exlporer intake (ported lower), TB and injectors. 277RWHP/330RWTQ (SAE). http://www.fastlanecars.com/

08-30-2004, 01:03 PM	#5
88fivepointoh Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Rochester Posts: 553	Well first off if you opened her up and were going 75 then I think somethings up here.. HEHE, but yes 238 is way to hot... How is your radiator and compents? I would install a 180 degree thermostat in the motor and you will stay a whole lot cooler. but yes I agree those numbers are way to hot. Highway should be cooler than city driving.

08-30-2004, 01:24 PM	#7
88fivepointoh Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Rochester Posts: 553	Totally agree with tmoss

08-30-2004, 03:12 PM	#8
SurfaRiver Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 54	said f` it, just bought a new fms radiator, electric fan set up, header wraps, and carb (think it ran too lean up top) from summit. thank god for 12 mo same as cash. we'll see how it does then __________________ 1979 Mustang ... 12K Holley 600 CFM 4 bbl Edlebrock Performer RPM Comp Cam 8.8 Rear end with posi from 88 stang Next Projects AFR Heads Stroker Crankshaft and new Pistons T5 Runs 15.0 now, need more traction

08-30-2004, 03:27 PM	#9
88fivepointoh Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Rochester Posts: 553	man you went nutz... Same ass cash beautiful thing, change the thermostat to a 180 and might as well get a new water pump.. complete the project!

08-30-2004, 07:21 PM	#10
SurfaRiver Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 54	got the new water pump last week in east bu ** new york when the old one (less than a year old) took a shit. thats when i started wondering if i was running too hot __________________ 1979 Mustang ... 12K Holley 600 CFM 4 bbl Edlebrock Performer RPM Comp Cam 8.8 Rear end with posi from 88 stang Next Projects AFR Heads Stroker Crankshaft and new Pistons T5 Runs 15.0 now, need more traction

08-30-2004, 07:54 PM	#11
88fivepointoh Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Rochester Posts: 553	sweet, just drop the thermostat to 180 and your all set!

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