I've done many searches, but can't find a solid answer. Obviously you want your engine to stay nice and cool, but how hot is too hot? And does it make a difference if you are running aluminum heads or cast iron heads? Thansk

 

Most engines you wouldn't want to run much over 230 coolant temp. Don't think it matters if it's aluminum or iorn. I'd say from what I've seen problems start at about the 250 mark. Just my opinion.

 

Is water adequate? Or should I drain this "diluted" solution and get real engine coolant?

 

CBR1000RR-thanks for the quick response. My car has been running right around 220 lately, but it never gets hotter than that. This is only on very hot days, so I guess I won't worry about it.

 

Is 220 too hot? no, especially if your catalytic converter and all your smog stuff is still installed, it needs to run that hot in order to not get clogged up. Would 160 be better performance-wise? yep.

 

IrocWPB- I agree 100% about the performance issue, but I was a little worried that running at 220 too long might hurt something. The car is an 86 Iroc w/ a mild 350 TPI, and a ProCharger w/ the single intercooler setup. The intercooler bolts where the air damn used to, so I know that's part of the heating issue. The engine has less than 1000 miles on it as well as the water pump. I am running a 170* stat w/ bypass holes, BeCool aluminum radiator, Dual Flexalite fan setup (same as *******), as well as two pusher fans mounted on the A/C Condersor. I just figured w/ all of this my car would stay below 220, even on the 90* + days we've been having.

Any thoughts? Suggestions?

 

Is this around town or on the highway? If its around town I wouldnt woory much. If its on the highway, I'd say you have some blockage of air to the radiator.

 

You need the airdamn. The resistance it creates pushes air up into the rad.

 

tom84ss- it really doesn't seem to make much of a difference. Last time I drove the car it was about 90* and very humid. I drove the car all over that day, both on the highway and stop and go traffic and it would stay right at 220 or just below. I've already checked the radiator and condensor, no blockage on either.

matt_p-I agree w/ you and understand what the air dam does, but it can not be installed at this point. You have to remove it to install the intercooler that comes w/ the ATI ProCharger kit. They do have a dual intercooler kit that will allow you to run the air dam, but lack of funds will not allow that anytime in the near future. Thanks for the reply though.

Any other thoughts folks?

 

Just because your thermostat is opening at 170 degrees doesn't mean your fans are going to cool your fluids to a lower temp unless they're coming on in that range also.

 

So 220 in town in the summer is okay? I just changed my heater core and my water punp. I got the 185 thermo but was thinking of switching to 160 or asding that Purple Ice or Water Wetter coolant additives that reduces the cooling temp 20 degrees.

Any thoughts.

 

IrocWPB-the fans are actually wired to a toggle switch under my dash. In the summer I have them on as soon as I start the car, and never shut them off while the engine is running. Still think this is normal? I was really hoping the car would run cooler, but maybe it's not too bad for a ProCharged Iroc w/ no air dam.

 

Well, your engine was designed to run at 220' and being that you're achieving that without an air dam, even at highway speeds is some kind of amazing sir. I wouldn't give it too much more thought. I want to be at 160' but I'd be happy if I wasn't hitting 260' but I'll have that all worked out soon I hope.

 

IMO, i dont like to see my motor past 195.. usually gets to 190 in heavy traffic.. but thats just me


geehumshriber, i run straight water in my motor.. no problems..

 

Thanks for all the help man. This makes me feel a lot better about the situation.

5678TA- I totally understand, but that may not be possible w/ my setup.