Ive went through all of the forums and haven't found a definitive answer to what the normal operating temperature is. Ive only found guesstimates.. The manual doesn't state what is considered "running hot" either. From what I have gathered the OEM t-stat opens partially at 165F and fully opens at 194F.

The reason I am asking is because I just installed a Mishimoto "half sized" radiator with a 12inch slim fan that pulls 850cfm. I have logged temps that range from 185F - 213F. Thats with WOT pulls, canyon runs, and LA traffic... My coolant gauge, or "dummy switch", never moves off of the 1/3 marking....

So my question is, what is considered to be running hot? Or the operating temp range?

Is it like 180-225F?? or less

Thanks for any input.

~BEK

 

My old Nissan, Evo, and Honda typically all have the fans come on in the 203-212F range. So figure anything above 212F is not good. Though my friends old C4 Vette use to run like 230F, but who knows, GM is weird sometimes.

 

As long as the OEM needle is half way your golden.

I'd say in stop and go traffic 220 is on the high side but still "acceptable. 235 and up is cause for some concern.

I need to get rid of my water temp and oil gauges....there is such a thing as too much info.

As long as the OEM temp gauge stays halfway I'm not worried

 

Thanks guys, that answered my question. So I guess ill try to keep the temps below 220F.

~BEK

 

x2

 

50/50 water and coolant boils around 265ish in a pressurized system (rad cap on).

as long as it's not boiling its not going to ruin your engine. 225f is acceptable. a little hot for my comfort level but acceptable.

 

If it starts creeping above 225F then I would be concerned. above 225 I would consider running hot.

 

i have am aem digital water temp gauge with the temp sensor on top of the thermostat housing. My water temps range from 180-194. This is in hot Los angeles stop and go traffic with the ac on.

I Have a mishmoto evo 4/5/6 radiator with the mishimotor low temo thermostat and a spal 12 inch slim fan.

I would pull over if the water temps are over 220.