Subject: Re: L98, they run hot. by dan0617 on 2009/4/4 20:32:49
Quote:
bogus wrote: Get used to it.
Modern engines do not over heat at those temps. They are designed to run up there.
The 160* stat is the worst thing you can do. On short drives, the engine will never get up to op temp and that will speed up engine wear, not slow it.
Engines running at 180 is old school. Modern engines run up there for a number of reasons. Metalurgy - the metals are designed to expand/contract and specific rates so they work best at op temps. And emissions, a hotter engine burns more efficiently.
I would use a 180* stat and a lower fan temp switch. Also, check your radiator. If it is stock OEM, it mught be about toast. 20 years is a long time. Do you have the heavy duty cooling system?
My 92 has a DeWitt's radiator and is otherwise stock. It runs at 192-195 on the highway and about 205 in town.
You may want to switch over to Mobil 1. That's what they did in the LT1... If you are using Mobil 1, then the oil temps are about dead nuts on. Oil takes longer to heat and longer to cool... denser and all you know.
In general, I wouldn't worry about it.
You are fine. Clean out in between the radiator and condenser by removing the top radiator shroud and using a shop vac. Blow some compressed air back through the radiator and condenser.
If you want a little cooler, go to a 180 stat and fan temp settings on at 198 and off at 185. Don't go any cooler than a 180 stat, wont do anything but quit making heat on cool mornings. Don't put your fan off setting any lower than 5 degrees above your thermostat temp as the thermostat temps are within a few degrees, and if your fan off temp is lower than your thermostat temp your fan will run all the time.
My oil temp is 20-30 degrees higher than my water temp all the time once the car is at full operating temp. A high rpm extended run will make it 30-40 degrees warmer but just for a short time. Synthetic oils handle the heat a little better.
I listed a few things you can do that will work but other than cleaning out the debris on a regular basis, none of them are necessary to do.
