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Old Mar 22, 2013 | 09:53 AM
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Engine Oil Temperature Question

I put a temperature sensor in my oil pan after rebuilding the engine. Has anybody done this and have an idea what the temps normally run on the 460?
My oil is around 210 degrees with the water temps around 180, but when I start pulling a grade with the trailer in tow the oil temps shoot up to 240 and above while the water temps still stay around 180. Is this normal? I am thinking about putting an oil cooler on to try to keep these temps down.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2013 | 10:00 AM
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Oil cooler a good idea .. What transmission ?
It came with some later model 460s so the junkyard may be a good source for that if your trying to save money also a external dual filter will give you a little more capacity .. A high volume oil pump if it doesn't have one is also a good idea ..
 
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Old Mar 22, 2013 | 10:07 AM
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Originally Posted by redroad
Oil cooler a good idea .. What transmission ?
No problem with the tranny even on the hardest pull. I have the largest tranny cooler you can buy installed on it. I also have an inline filter on the tranny. Thanks for the reply.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2013 | 10:11 AM
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Recheck my post ..
 
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Old Mar 22, 2013 | 10:29 AM
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Originally Posted by redroad
Recheck my post ..
Got it thanks again. Gary
 
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Old Mar 22, 2013 | 11:18 PM
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Oil temps normally run 10-20F higher than water temps. 220-230 is fine with conventional oil. Hotter for long periods is not so good. Stock there is no thermostat or cooler to regulate oil temp so it can get hot on long hard pulls. A cooler is a good idea. Synthetic oil can take the higher temps better so that's an option also. Mobile 1 20W50 has high zinc and would be a good choice for an engine run hard.
 
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Old Mar 23, 2013 | 12:20 AM
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Those temps are more than fine, use a high quality diesel rated conventional oil or a full synthetic to make sure things stay on the safe side.

Under 250 on a long grade is adequate with cruising temps about 10 to 30 degrees higher.

Interestingly, thicker oil = higher temps FYI.

Josh
 
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Old Mar 23, 2013 | 06:50 AM
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The optimum temperature for oil is between 180 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit (82-93 C). Failures start to occur when oil cannot dissipate its collected heat fast enough and rises past this threshold. As it begins to break down, oil loses its lubricating, as well as its cooling, properties.
What Is an Oil Cooler? (with picture)

You can also run a lower temperature thermostat to reduce the demand on the cooling system, thus decreasing the likelihood of overheating during times of heavy engine load, such as towing.
 
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Old Mar 23, 2013 | 08:45 AM
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Originally Posted by redroad
What Is an Oil Cooler? (with picture)

You can also run a lower temperature thermostat to reduce the demand on the cooling system, thus decreasing the likelihood of overheating during times of heavy engine load, such as towing.
I guess NASCAR should install better coolers since their oil will run 260-300 degrees.

Josh
 
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Old Mar 23, 2013 | 09:15 AM
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Originally Posted by Bullitt390
I guess NASCAR should install better coolers since their oil will run 260-300 degrees.

Josh
Not talking NASCAR are we who changes the oil after every race ? we're talking a lower compression production motor with an auto trans tied to it
 
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Old Mar 23, 2013 | 09:26 AM
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Originally Posted by redroad
Not talking NASCAR are we who changes the oil after every race ? we're talking a lower compression production motor with an auto trans tied to it
You want the coolant to be 190-215 degrees and oil will run 10-30 above that.

Modern oil is designed for heat, especially diesel engines that will hold 240+ degrees WITH COOLERS.

Oil doesn't begin to break down until well over 300 degrees.

Josh
 
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Old Mar 23, 2013 | 10:47 AM
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Originally Posted by Bullitt390
You want the coolant to be 190-215 degrees and oil will run 10-30 above that.

Modern oil is designed for heat, especially diesel engines that will hold 240+ degrees WITH COOLERS.

Oil doesn't begin to break down until well over 300 degrees.

Josh
Heat=Friction=premature wearing of moving motor parts .. It's that simple
 
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Old Mar 23, 2013 | 11:12 AM
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Originally Posted by redroad
Heat=Friction=premature wearing of moving motor parts .. It's that simple
Cold coolant + cold oil = more friction which = less efficiency which = lower MPG

It's that simple.



Josh
 
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Old Mar 23, 2013 | 11:17 AM
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Originally Posted by fasthauler
My oil is around 210 degrees with the water temps around 180
Oil temps are typically about 20 degrees +/- hotter than coolant temps, this is normal and no reason for concern.

Ideal coolant temps would be 180-195, with oil temps running around 200-210

I run a 160 degree t-stat (motor runs at 170-175) and oil temps run 190-195

It's a tad on the cool side but i'm willing to sacrifice nominal mpg gains for better performance.
 
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Old Mar 23, 2013 | 11:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Bullitt390
Those temps are more than fine, use a high quality diesel rated conventional oil or a full synthetic to make sure things stay on the safe side.

Under 250 on a long grade is adequate with cruising temps about 10 to 30 degrees higher.

Interestingly, thicker oil = higher temps FYI.

Josh
Any idea how the Rotella 15w40 does in colder climates?

Or would I need to run a different weight oil for summer and winter?
 
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