Engine Temp

[FMJ]

Where do you see the engine temp leveling out on a small block?

-Fred

[jlfernan]

My carbureted 302 runs about 85 degrees Celsius even on the hottest days. As a matter of fact, in steady state driving, my fans don't kick on.


http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/2561/jorgec.jpg (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/private.php?do=newpm&u=111)

[edwardb]

Depends on the thermostat you choose. Ford used a 192 degree thermostat when in EFI dress, and many feel it runs best with that thermostat even when carbed. Did a lot of research on this when I was setting mine up. Many use a 180 - 185 thermostat for a carb setup, and see the kind of temps Jorge mentioned (85C = 185F). I chose to put a 192 thermostat in mine even though carbed, and typically see 190 - 200 max. Was in a 30-45 minute cruise Friday night (all stop and go) and the air temps were in the high 90's. My temp stayed pegged on 200 the whole time. I was happy to see that. Many will say a SBF is happiest when run at around that temp.

[skullandbones]

FMJ,
I was reading Charles Probst's book on Ford EFI and Engine Control this week. He says the optimal temperature for small blocks is 195 degrees F. He warned against using lower temp thermostats and other strategies that lower the operational temp. Of course, this was in the context of EFI so if you have a carb that might be different. WEK.

[Ray]

I'm running a carb'ed 302 with an allegedly 180F thermostat. Since I built the car, intending to drive in the 110F+ Central Valley of California, I also installed a 3-row radiator. I find that at speeds above 40 or so, the engine temp doesn't get much above 150F. In stop-go traffic and hot weather, it will reach 200F max but drops right down to 150-160F in just a few minutes/miles.

Ray

[edwardb]

I'm running a carb'ed 302 with an allegedly 180F thermostat. Since I built the car, intending to drive in the 110F+ Central Valley of California, I also installed a 3-row radiator. I find that at speeds above 40 or so, the engine temp doesn't get much above 150F. In stop-go traffic and hot weather, it will reach 200F max but drops right down to 150-160F in just a few minutes/miles. Ray

Something doesn't sound right. Either your thermostat is opening way too soon (or just stuck open), or you're not getting a good temp indication.

[Ray]

On the rare days that the water temp hits 180+, I've checked the radiator, hoses, oil pan etc. with an remote thermometer and it is all with a degree or two. I think that I bought a 150 thermostat in a 180 box.

Ray