Too hot?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City, MO
Too hot?
How hot is too hot for a 302? In the city it stays pretty cool, but I was driving on the highway and it got to 225. I'm not very engine savvy, but I believe I put a 180 thermostat in it, so I would not think it should get that hot. At what temp should I start worrying?
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
I usually run a 190-192 degree thermostat and like to keep the engine running about that temp. Newer engines run higher, around 210 being normal. While 225 is warmer than I like, I wouldn't be overly concerned. As long as it's not blowing coolant, it's not really overheated. The pressure cap on radiator informs you of that. Your situation indicates possible airflow problems. Check for any place air can go around the radiator instead of thru it. If you're running a low gear ratio thats pushing your rpm's up at highway speeds, it could contribute to the problem as engine is working harder. At 240 degrees, I'd start looking seriously for ways to improve cooling system.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City, MO
Thanks for the reply! I do not think it was blowing coolant, as I did not smell it. But I didn't look either. Next time it gets that warm I'll check. The only place that air can go around the radiator is on the outside of the truck. There is a solid plate on both sides of the radiator. I have an electric puller fan installed behind pulling air through. I have a switch to turn it on manually if I want, but it turns on by itself at high temps. I switched the fan on just to see if maybe it wasn't kicked on but it made no difference.
I am definitely running low gears, and know that it would push the temp up a little, but did not think it would push that much. I think at 65 I was at about 3500 rpms. I will pay a little more attention to all the specifics of the engine before I ask for more advice. It was just my first time driving the truck after 2 years of building and I was more excited about being behind the wheel than noticing specifics. Haha.
Thanks again for the help.
I am definitely running low gears, and know that it would push the temp up a little, but did not think it would push that much. I think at 65 I was at about 3500 rpms. I will pay a little more attention to all the specifics of the engine before I ask for more advice. It was just my first time driving the truck after 2 years of building and I was more excited about being behind the wheel than noticing specifics. Haha.
Thanks again for the help.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
