lower temp=more wear?
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From: Southern Delaware
lower temp=more wear?
Im just curious, but how does lower engine temperatures increase engine wear. I know it does decrease fuel economy, but I thought that lower temp would reduce engine wear. Ive been running a 160 thermostat for the last 5 years and was wondering if should switch to a 180, to prolong the engine's life. Dont deisels run cooler than gas engines and that is the key to deisels longevity? any clarification will be appreciated. Thanks
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IMHO, the main reasons for a diesel's long life come from a couple of places - First, they are relatively low RPM's - max power comes on in the 2-3000rpm range and red line isn't much higher than that, so the engines just run with a lower number of revolutions per mile than a gas engine. Secondly, diesel fuel has some lubricating properties so the diesel engine gets some top-cylinder lubrication with every stroke whereas gasoline actually strips lube from the cylinders. Another major factor is that diesel engines are just built heavier than a comparable gas engine which again aids in longevity.
As far as running the engine cooler - 160 to 180F is not a large difference - if you were trying to run at 100 or 120F then I would expect wear to be more pronounced. At 180F the oil is warm enough to keep water and fuel from condensing in it, but not so hot that it breaks down and oxidizes. Going substantially cooler can allow water and fuel to build up in the oil and decrease it's lubricating properties.
As far as running the engine cooler - 160 to 180F is not a large difference - if you were trying to run at 100 or 120F then I would expect wear to be more pronounced. At 180F the oil is warm enough to keep water and fuel from condensing in it, but not so hot that it breaks down and oxidizes. Going substantially cooler can allow water and fuel to build up in the oil and decrease it's lubricating properties.
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blownbronco
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Dec 10, 2002 09:32 AM
