Overcooling???
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,557
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From: Texas
Overcooling???
Yes and no! I've heard that engines need to run at certain temps and others say they need to be as cool as possible.
I believe the first to be true. Most engines should run regular at about 210 degrees for proper combustion and fuel economy. Feul/air mix should be cool therefore the hi-po induction systems but the real process takes place in the cylinders.
Check your thermostat. It may be stuck open or removed altogether. Also check the temp when driving (temp guage and system closed). Most vehicles are designed to draw as much cool air as possible at idle and therefore won't reach temp unless driving or idled up.
Hope this helps you.
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I believe the first to be true. Most engines should run regular at about 210 degrees for proper combustion and fuel economy. Feul/air mix should be cool therefore the hi-po induction systems but the real process takes place in the cylinders.
Check your thermostat. It may be stuck open or removed altogether. Also check the temp when driving (temp guage and system closed). Most vehicles are designed to draw as much cool air as possible at idle and therefore won't reach temp unless driving or idled up.
Hope this helps you.
Krosati
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Visit my homepage at ClubFTE
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,351
Likes: 1
From: Escondido, CA
Overcooling???
I was wondering the same thing. My 351W with a .060 over bore still sits down at the 150 mark. I know I have a really big radiator which might be the reason for not running hot. Well either way it still runs like a big dog.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,100
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From: Durham
Overcooling???
I've heard both theories on this and have even argued both. My experience is that the carbed Ford engines run better on the cool side, but the fuel injected engines need to run hotter for all of the computer feedback systems to operate at optimum efficiency. Heat in general is wasted energy produced by the engine...but the engine is designed to operate at a high enough temperature for proper combustion. One side affect that I hear about cool running engines is the build up of sludge from the oil not coming up to proper operating temperatures...so watch for any buildup...and I think that synthetic oil wil help prevent the oil turning to sludge...you may even want to change your oil more often. My 351W carbed engine typically will run at 160...or 190 on a hot day and towing or idling.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27
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Overcooling???
I have to concur with slikness. My personal experience has been that on computer controlled vehicles, even the early primitive ones with simple feedback systems, they must run at their designed temp for proper fuel economy. Generally if they run too cool, they engage their enrichment circuits effectively fooling the computer into thinking that the engine is in startup mode. I purchased a mid eighties p/u that was running no thermostat, installed the correct one, and went from 12mpg to nearly 17.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 160
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From: PA
Overcooling???
Change the thermostat to 180 or 190 or block off half of the radiator with cardboard and see if it helps.
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Postmaster
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From: Escondido, CA
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