Cars running too cool?

[marc70challenger]

I find it ironic, after years growing up dealing with cars running too hot .... that I may have an issue with this one too cool.

It seems to like 150 F.  Ambient outside temp either 30F or 85F ... it settles there.

I have check gauge temp (its new) with laser temp on inlets and outlets ... its almost to the degree.

I tested the antifreeze level .... it appears it almost 100% ... it goes off the chart in the prestone test device (meaning ... its freezing point is like -70 ..)

Could it be simply that ... that its all anti freeze?

From what I know or understand .... wouldn't you want operating temp to be somewhere 170-180 ....

Thanks

[jhaag]

what are you running for a thermostat? An overheating problem could be a multitude of things. This issue sounds thermostat related. A correctly operating thermostat regulates water temp just like it regulates heat and cold in your home. Taking other variables out of the equation, I would say you have a t-stat issue. (ie stuck open or too low temp rating) FWIW you have too much antifreeze in your mixture for proper cooling, but that is not causing your issue.

[turbo224]

Yes, check your thermostat temperature and replace if needed. A motor can definitely run too cool which will greatly effect your performance and mpg. I had that issue with my Wagoneer. I added a three core aluminum radiator and it would not heat up enough during the winter months, even with the hottest thermostat I could buy. I had to cover the majority of the radiator with cardboard to get the temp up.

[cudabob496]

ya, in winter, I put a piece of cardboard in front of my alum radiator to keep temp up.

[roadman5312]

Hope I have your problem JUST ONCE IN MY LIFE.  Would be a nice change of pace, all I ever battle is overheat   

[turbo224]

Hope I have your problem JUST ONCE IN MY LIFE.  Would be a nice change of pace, all I ever battle is overheat   

The curse of Florida...   

[cudabob496]

something is wrong. gauge must be nuts.  Check your timing?
30% of engine power goes to producing heat!!

[dodj]

I agree with those pointing at your t-stat. IMO, replace it with a 195* unit. If you are a drag racer, a 180* one.
A word of caution though. You said you checked the actual temp with a laser. Cheap lasers will read different temps based on the different colour and/or surface roughness. Check your laser with a known temperature like a pot of boiling water (212*).

[marc70challenger]

Thanks everyone.   I did check the laser gauge ... its correct.

I will check to thermostat this weekend ... maybe go up a step ....

 

[marc70challenger]

The culprit was pretty obvious .... there was no thermostat at all.   

I put a 180* in ... and it settled at 195* driving ... and would get to 210* idling .... 75* ambient temp day.

So .... I drained the coolant .... cut it to 50/50 ... and now it seems to settle nicely at 180*.  I got this last part done 11p at 60* outside temp. But from some seemingly valid sources ... it seems too much % of antifreeze actually works against ya in cooling .... and that I guess would make sense since it designed by chemist to cut with H2O ...

Taking her to local show tomorrow ... it should be near 80* outside ... so we'll see if it maintains 180*.

 

[Strawdawg]

The more coolant you add to the mix, the less heat transfer you will get from the the total mix.  Straight water transfers more heat than any mix as it has a higher coefficent of heat transfer.

Having a thermostat in there will speed up warm up and reduce engine wear as well as increase the boiling point temperature in the block which will minimize steam pocket development.

Glad you fixed that one.

[73EStroker]

I use a 195 thermostat in mine. No issues even at 100 deg temps.  Use aluminum rad, 440 source water pump.

[marc70challenger]

Thanks all.

On 80 plus degree, middle of day it ran just needle above 180 .... idling at lights maybe up to 193/4 .... then right back down ... with full a/c on it ran about 190ish ... to 195 slow crawl neighborhoods and lights.

I would imagine that is just fine   .....

Thanks for all helps   

[dodj]

I use a 195 thermostat in mine. No issues even at 100 deg temps.  Use aluminum rad, 440 source water pump.

Same kit as me. Needle doesn't move much whether idling or driving.

Glad your ride is working fine now Marc 

[cudabob496]

The more coolant you add to the mix, the less heat transfer you will get from the the total mix.  Straight water transfers more heat than any mix as it has a higher coefficent of heat transfer.

Having a thermostat in there will speed up warm up and reduce engine wear as well as increase the boiling point temperature in the block which will minimize steam pocket development.

Glad you fixed that one.

Ya, I run only 20% coolant, for better cooling. And I add a corrosion inhibitor. No plans to
drive in zero degree weather.