The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 350 running temp?

I have a 66 with a 350
Is 185-190 a normal engine temp for a 350? It always runs within these limits. I haven't seen it go over 190 except when I park it and the motor has been shut off, then it goes to about 200 and drops down as it cools without the fan. Its winter time right now and I didn’t have the truck during the heat of summer time.

I have a mechanical gauge that was installed about 6 months ago. I hear some people say their 350's run at about 160.
What can I do to decrease the temp? Install a flex fan?

the temp it runs at depends on the rating of the thermostat in it and how good the cooling system is - a cooler running engine is not better, leave it be unless it overheats in the warmer months, then consider a 160° thermostat

Bill

185-190 is just fine for your engine, Billy.Especially if it doesn't go over 205 when it's hotter than hell. 160 is an absolute minimum, and if the weather ever turned where you live, or if they went to Reno in January, those people's engines would be running too cold.

You could get a cooler thermostat if you really want to, but a hot engine runs happier, leaner, and makes better fuel economy.

Sounds good, thanks guys!
What about the flex fan conversion? Is it worth upgrading?
I live in central cal in a valley. In the summer it averages about 75-90 degrees 100-105 on a really hot day. Winter averages are 45-65 degrees.

I know its brutal weather! Just kidding.

auto makers went to the 195 therm to decrease emissions and increase preformance and fuel mileage,,it was some of the first attempts to limit emissions..doc

So at what tempreature would you guys agree is the point at which there is a major problem? 220 or higher? When would you stop your motor and not drive it until it is fixed?

if you've got a 190/195 thermostat and it starts running always 200+ under normal conditions or starts blowing off, check everything out - don't worry about what the temp goes to after you shut it off, and think about a better fan blade if you have excessive heating when you're idling in traffic a lot, good to have a shroud on a small block for that too

Bill

I had a 63 K10 with a 283 running air conditioning in the Phoenix, AZ heat with no cooling problems. I put in a 4 core radiator...aluminum rads were very expensive then. I tried a flex fan but at highway speeds and stock gearing the flex fan actually created a problem by flattening out and restricting airflow. I swapped back to the stock fan and added two electric fans which were controlled by a thermostatic switch from a mid 80's Chrysler. This set up worked great even on the hottest days (118 deg plus).

I know guys that would kill for your running temperatures. If it works don't mess with it. Visit the "Walker Radiator" site and look at FAQ's for more info if you wish. I had my radiator looked at by their main guy Buddy at NASA Nats at Louisville in August several years ago. He ask if it was boiling over? I said no, it seems just to be running hot. He patted me on the back and said, "If it ain't boiling over, it ain't to hot. Next person please! Remember, water boils at 212 degrees. You get about a 3 degree jump for every psi you cap is rated for, ex. 15 psi cap= 45degerees, so 212 + 45 = 257 deg.

if you are running temps lets say 10 higher than the therm and hotter in slow driving you have a problem that needs corrected,,radiator,,water pump,,timing,,lower hose clappsing,,,doc

AT 205+ I'm interested, and at over 210 I see a problem, unless I Can cool it soon.

One last thing… Do you guys go by the manufacture mixing directions on the antifreeze container? I did.
Thanks a lot guys for putting me at ease.

My '62s 355 runs about 190-200 all the time,goes up to 210-220 with extended idling,but doesn't seem to ever go past that. Stock radiator,clutch fan about 1-1/2 inches out from the shroud,50/50 antifreeze.
Speed