Water temperatures....advice please??
Discussion
Hi All,
Took my newly acquired 4.0l to Racing Green yesterday....a round trip of about 280 miles....and she ran beautifully, however I noticed that the water temp rarely got above 70 degrees. On the return journey - when it was getting pretty nippy outside, the temperature dropped to just over 60 degrees, as my speeds increased.
I'm completely non-technical....but these temperatures seemed a bit low to me, and I'm wondering if this is a problem - or what the consequences could be?
Thanks in advance.
Took my newly acquired 4.0l to Racing Green yesterday....a round trip of about 280 miles....and she ran beautifully, however I noticed that the water temp rarely got above 70 degrees. On the return journey - when it was getting pretty nippy outside, the temperature dropped to just over 60 degrees, as my speeds increased.
I'm completely non-technical....but these temperatures seemed a bit low to me, and I'm wondering if this is a problem - or what the consequences could be?
Thanks in advance.
You can't necessarily take the temp gauge reading at face value, so check the actual temp by some other means if possible. For example you can check what temperature the gauge shows when the fans go on and off.
If that temperature reading is accurate, your engine is running too cold. The most likely cause is a faulty thermostat.
If that temperature reading is accurate, your engine is running too cold. The most likely cause is a faulty thermostat.
Its more than normal to see 60-70oC on the run at this time of year.David Beer(Modwise) discovered that where the temp sensor is situated it suffers from wind chill,hence when you slow down/stop,then the gauge reads more accurately-David sells a mod to cure this.I'v had 3 v8's now and all have been the same.Been down the route of changing the stat in the early days,and it made no difference,though its never a bad thing to check the stat as a stuck open one could give similar symptoms.
Unfortunately,comparing at what temp the fans cut in can only confuse further imho,as the thermoswitch(otter) for the fans is in a different place(either swirl pot or rad)to the gauge sensor.If your otter is in the swirl pot then it can be affected by the massive heat rising from the manifold.My gauge often reads 80 when the fans cut in(otter switch works at 92),particularly if i've recently come to a halt as opposed to having been stood for a while.
Unfortunately,comparing at what temp the fans cut in can only confuse further imho,as the thermoswitch(otter) for the fans is in a different place(either swirl pot or rad)to the gauge sensor.If your otter is in the swirl pot then it can be affected by the massive heat rising from the manifold.My gauge often reads 80 when the fans cut in(otter switch works at 92),particularly if i've recently come to a halt as opposed to having been stood for a while.
Mongoose - thanks for this.....I'm not really sure whether I am reassured - or further confused....I think I'll get the guys at TMS to have a look when I take her in for a service.
It was definately showing signs of heating up, and cooling down in opposite proportion to my speed - and I sort of put it down to a wind chill factor.....
Anyway - if I am running slightly cool, what would the possible consequences, could I be doing any long term damage?
It was definately showing signs of heating up, and cooling down in opposite proportion to my speed - and I sort of put it down to a wind chill factor.....
Anyway - if I am running slightly cool, what would the possible consequences, could I be doing any long term damage?
Almost definitely windchill. Mine runs around 80-90 during the summer but now the cold air has hit is not running between 60 and 70 though does go up to around 80 when in traffic or idle.
A better indicator is to watch your oil pressure guage, this should drop slightly when the oil is thinner and up to temp.
You could also try putting a piece of cardboard over half your rad in order to block a little of the very cold air.
A better indicator is to watch your oil pressure guage, this should drop slightly when the oil is thinner and up to temp.
You could also try putting a piece of cardboard over half your rad in order to block a little of the very cold air.
Hi Fizzer,
To be honest, I really wouldnt worry about it. (well so long as the fans do cut in). As you have just got the car, I would run it for a while, if this is the norm for your car then so be it. If it changes rapidly either way then take it in!!
If it really is running a bit cool, it would mean it isnt running as economical as it should be - but no other harm.
Lig.
To be honest, I really wouldnt worry about it. (well so long as the fans do cut in). As you have just got the car, I would run it for a while, if this is the norm for your car then so be it. If it changes rapidly either way then take it in!!
If it really is running a bit cool, it would mean it isnt running as economical as it should be - but no other harm.
Lig.
P.S. Zippee - I notice you are in Cambs...me too - Peterborough area - I'll give you a wave if I see you out and about!!
BTW where do you take yours for servicing...i'm about an hour from TMS, and although they have been very helpful in the past, I'd like to try to find somewhere a bit more local....
BTW where do you take yours for servicing...i'm about an hour from TMS, and although they have been very helpful in the past, I'd like to try to find somewhere a bit more local....
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