Running Temperature in the cold weather

[madasahatter]

I am running my Cerbera ('96 4.2) through the winter months, and I am not at all surprised to find that it runs colder due to the colder ambient temperature. The question is, how warm must it be running to make sure that it is at a correct operating temperature. In other words, is it possible to damage the car since it is running at a temperature that is too low. I am seeing a running temperature of somewhere between an indicated 75-80, with the fans cutting in at an indicated 95 (if that helps with calibration of the gauge )

While I am on. My partner is 6'1" tall, and she struggles to straighten her legs in the passenger seat thanks to the reduced logroom on that side. Is it easy to extend the amount that the passenger seat will slide back? I don't use the back seats, so don't really care if this is compromised.

Thanks in Advance.

Steve

[rolexblue]

I was out on a run yesterday M25/A12 50ish miles all at a steady'ish 70-80mph and my temperature was around the 75-80 mark but soon picked up to the 90's in traffic. I had the same thing with the Chimaera where cold weather and speed always kept the engine temperature down. I remember someone telling me that a car driven at speed would not need fan's etc as the wind speed through the engine is more then enough to cool it.

Paul

[Byff]

I'll be running mine all winter and have found that running temp is 5' lower (around 80'ish) and fans cut in at the same temp as when in summer/warm weather, i.e 100' indicated on the gauge.

[madasahatter]

Thanks for the reassurance guys

Got a chance to open it up and blow away a Scooby last night - a small conquest, but enjoyable none the less.

Anyone tried to extend the passenger seat travel though?

[dannylt]

Your temps sound fine - good idea going off the fan switching on temp rather than the absolute number on the gauge - generally about 10 degrees high!

How about relocating the ECU from the passenger footwell to be attached above the feet instead? Should get another 2 inches? The ECU cable certainly has enough slack.

danny

[madasahatter]

Thanks for the suggestion Danny - 2 inches could be all it needs (oooooh matron ).