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#60904 05/25/2006 2:57 PM | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 336 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 336 | Hey guys.
I want to double check my temp gauge and thermo stat in my 59 with a 235.
It was about 68 degrees last night and I ran the engine for about 5 or 10 minutes and the gauge only went up just slightly past the first line. I was sitting in the driveway
How hot should a 235 run at running temp?
And where should I check it at? On the Head? I will be using a infrared or maybe a thermo couple temp probe. I have access to surface probes, infrared probes and liquid thermocouples I can even get a big mercury type thermometer. Thanks to my Job | | |
#60905 05/25/2006 3:04 PM | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 709 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2001 Posts: 709 | I stick the wife's meat thermometer down the radiator fill. Close enough for me. Shoul run up to about thermostat temp then when the stat opens it will cool off some and repeat.
Bruce
Old Toy: Ol' Betsy stock 59 Apache SB Stepside (Gone but not Forgotten)
New Toy: 1962 Impala SS Coupe
The Driver: 1990 Toyota truck
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#60906 05/25/2006 3:07 PM | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,048 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,048 | This is an interesting question. I gotta believe that you will find many different temperatures at various places on the block and head depending on where (how far away) the water jacket is behind the surface you are checking. My first try would be to carefully remove the radiator cap and directly measure the water / antifreeze temperature. It should really be your thermostat that sets the temperature and it is the water temperature that the gauge is measuring. | | |
#60907 05/25/2006 3:18 PM | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | like Kip sez, depends on where you measure it, and the gauge on my 57 [235] also barely registers when it's up to temp, and the only time I've seen it higher is once when the rad hose sprung a leak and the water level went way down - the gauge went to about 3/4 and I knew there was a problem
the water is what counts - 235's in my experience run as cold as the thermostat allows - withut one it'll run too cold, with a 160 it'll stay right around 160, a 180, around 180 - what's important is you have a thermostat and the water temp runs about the themp of that when warmed up, then look at the gauge and you'll have an idea what it means .... they're not presision instruments even when new
Bill | | |
#60908 05/26/2006 3:59 AM | Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 5,194 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 5,194 | If you cooling system is in good shape, 180* or 190* will work. If you have a questionable radiator and live in a hot area, then go with a 160* thermostat. More heat means more pressure which is hard on parts. Joe | | |
#60909 05/26/2006 4:12 AM | Joined: May 2004 Posts: 920 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2004 Posts: 920 | I use a thermometer one to 5 times a day. I have a bunch of em so I calibrate each time with ice water. I like cheap analog gauges best. I always get the most accurate readings and it's easy to calibrate. If I were measuring high temps I would calibrate it with boiling water. I live at sea level. | | |
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