What temp is too high?

Warputer · #1 03-17-2011, 06:15 AM

The temp on my 350 usually runs between 160 to 190. But in traffic, on warm days it'll inch up around 200. What is the danger zone?

Hank70SS · #2 03-17-2011, 07:40 AM

Oil doesn't start to break down until around 265. 200 is nothing to worry about. The 454 in my motorhome has a 195 thermostat which means the nominal engine temp is around 200. Most newer cars run 200 or more all the time.

Warputer · #3 03-17-2011, 07:47 AM

Thanks Hank.....reason why I'm asking is because it does not have a fan shroud & I might be wrong but the fan seems farther away from the radiator than I can remember on any other vehicle I've had.

Highway Star · #4 03-17-2011, 07:59 AM

The modern aluminum headed engines are specced to run at higher temps to run cleaner and burn more fuel. My 350 has a 160 t-stat, a flex fan, and a full shroud. Last night, in 60 degree air I was seeing about 180° on the gauge. Sitting in summer heat bumper to bumper, it was up at around 200.

Hank70SS · #5 03-17-2011, 12:26 PM

Can't say how far the fan should be from the rad on a 350. You usually have either a fan clutch or spacer to move the fan forward some. A shroud would definitely help the cooling. If you do add one the blades of the fan should be half in, half out of the shroud. You could also run at least a 180 thermostat. You're temps wouldn't vary as much and 160 is kind of cool. You need some heat to dry the moisture out of the oil which you always get when starting up a cold engine.