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

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

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

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

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.

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?

Totally agree with tmoss

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 :)

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!

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 :(

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