Ideal Running Temperature - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

juiceman650 · 10-05-2011, 09:23 PM

Hey guys, just wondering what an ideal running temp for my truck should be. I was driving it the other day and sitting at read lights it would creep up to almost 230 F but running it would drop to the low 200s. Is this an okay range?
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Your41Plague12 · 10-05-2011, 09:24 PM

That's definitely hot. Should run about 180. Are you running a thermostat?

cjlinkster · 10-05-2011, 09:54 PM

For the 80's models, operating temps should be between 190 -220. The factory thermostat should be 190 degrees. This was due to all of the emission crap that are installed on the engines.

Driving my truck around, it normally stays at around 210.

I wouldn't worry about temps right at 230; any higher would be a concern though.

Rogue_Alphonse · 10-05-2011, 10:36 PM

I've always had mine run between 160 and 200, just to be safe. 230 while sitting isn't too much of a worry, though

juiceman650 · 10-06-2011, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue_Alphonse

I've always had mine run between 160 and 200, just to be safe. 230 while sitting isn't too much of a worry, though

Yeah, I'm not 100% on the numbers cuz I last drove it on Sunday. I will definitely check my temp gauge to get the right temp.
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juiceman650 · 10-06-2011, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjlinkster

For the 80's models, operating temps should be between 190 -220. The factory thermostat should be 190 degrees. This was due to all of the emission crap that are installed on the engines.

Driving my truck around, it normally stays at around 210.

I wouldn't worry about temps right at 230; any higher would be a concern though.

Yeah, mines a 75. The only concern/problem I have is that once I turn it off after it gets around 200, it takes a while to turn it back on. I've been thinking of flushing the radiator and replacing hoses and thermostat.
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CaliDude76 · 10-06-2011, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjlinkster

For the 80's models, operating temps should be between 190 -220. The factory thermostat should be 190 degrees. This was due to all of the emission crap that are installed on the engines.

Driving my truck around, it normally stays at around 210.

I wouldn't worry about temps right at 230; any higher would be a concern though.

Interesting.. I heard the same thing. Since mine has all that Smog crap.. I did however opt to replace the OEM 3 vein with a 4 vein radiator.. and a 180 thermostat.. it rarely goes above 180.. except in the Summer with the A/C on. Does having a hotter running engine.. effect the way it performs? Say.. idling smoother.. better gas mileage etc...?

juiceman650 · 10-06-2011, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Your41Plague12

That's definitely hot. Should run about 180. Are you running a thermostat?

I think I am, not 100% sure though.
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Goldfinger · 10-06-2011, 06:58 PM

mine never goes over 160 with a big truck high efficiency radiator. even in florida.

71swb4x4 · 10-06-2011, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goldfinger

mine never goes over 160 with a big truck high efficiency radiator. even in florida.

160 is too cool and is hurting the efficiency of your engine. I think you want to be between 190 and 210.

To the OP - make sure you are running a thermostat. Having no thermostat can cause the coolant to pass through the radiator faster than the radiator can cool it. Also make sure your temp gauge is accurate.

juiceman650 · 10-06-2011, 08:15 PM

Well I just checked it out and I checked my radiator. Guess what I found! Emptiness. Turns out that the coolant was thrown over into the reserve tank.
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71swb4x4 · 10-06-2011, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juiceman650

Well I just checked it out and I checked my radiator. Guess what I found! Emptiness. Turns out that the coolant was thrown over into the reserve tank.
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If it was in the reserve tank and the radiator is low you probably have a problem with your radiator cap. Replace it and see what happens.

juiceman650 · 10-06-2011, 08:45 PM

Oh and I checked my temp gauge. When I sit and idle, the needle is below 230 so I'm estimating its reading anywhere from 200 to 220. And when I drive it'll drop to around 190. The sensor is in the same spot as the OEM Gauge. As for the thermostat, Im still insure if I'm running one.
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cjlinkster · 10-06-2011, 09:10 PM

For a quick check...

When the engine is cold, take the radiator cap off and then start the engine. If you see coolant flowing; then chances are you either have a stuck open thermostat or it has been removed.

My truck seems to run best with the 190 degree thermostat. On my particular truck (1984), the vacuum advance source of vacuum is controlled by a temp switch.

10-05-2011, 09:23 PM	#1
juiceman650 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: San Bruno, CA. Posts: 348	Ideal Running Temperature Hey guys, just wondering what an ideal running temp for my truck should be. I was driving it the other day and sitting at read lights it would creep up to almost 230 F but running it would drop to the low 200s. Is this an okay range? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1975 Chevy Cheyenne w/ v8 350 and TH350 Siverado interior Fleetside bed aka "The Beast" aka "Cheyerado"

10-05-2011, 09:24 PM	#2
Your41Plague12 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,009	Re: Ideal Running Temperature That's definitely hot. Should run about 180. Are you running a thermostat? __________________ Steve Member of the Foot Pedal Club '83 Chevy K20: 6" Rough Country, 3" Performance Accessories BL, Bushwacker Cutouts, 38x15.50 Mickey Thompson Baja Claws, 350 HP 350 crate engine from Jegs, Turbo 400

10-05-2011, 09:54 PM	#3
cjlinkster Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Atlanta ga Posts: 150	Re: Ideal Running Temperature For the 80's models, operating temps should be between 190 -220. The factory thermostat should be 190 degrees. This was due to all of the emission crap that are installed on the engines. Driving my truck around, it normally stays at around 210. I wouldn't worry about temps right at 230; any higher would be a concern though. __________________ 1984 C20, 454, 4 speed named "Gold Member"

10-05-2011, 10:36 PM	#4
Rogue_Alphonse Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Gap PA Posts: 280	Re: Ideal Running Temperature I've always had mine run between 160 and 200, just to be safe. 230 while sitting isn't too much of a worry, though __________________ 1991 Mustang GT Vert, T-5 w/ Pro 5.0, Trick Flow upper & lower, BBK cold air intake, 3:73, BAMA chip, etc. 1988 K5 Blazer, [coming soon] TBI 400, SM465/NP208, 12 bolt rear, 3:08's, looks like a 1980. 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0 fully loaded daily driver! Where there's a will, there's a rig!

10-06-2011, 06:58 PM	#9
Goldfinger Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: laurel hill Fl Posts: 645	Re: Ideal Running Temperature mine never goes over 160 with a big truck high efficiency radiator. even in florida. __________________ 1985 C10 Custom Deluxe LWB 305/700r4 [ Goldfinger ] 1999 k3500 crew cab dually 6.5tdi/4l80e

10-06-2011, 08:15 PM	#11
juiceman650 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: San Bruno, CA. Posts: 348	Re: Ideal Running Temperature Well I just checked it out and I checked my radiator. Guess what I found! Emptiness. Turns out that the coolant was thrown over into the reserve tank. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1975 Chevy Cheyenne w/ v8 350 and TH350 Siverado interior Fleetside bed aka "The Beast" aka "Cheyerado"

10-06-2011, 08:45 PM	#13
juiceman650 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: San Bruno, CA. Posts: 348	Re: Ideal Running Temperature Oh and I checked my temp gauge. When I sit and idle, the needle is below 230 so I'm estimating its reading anywhere from 200 to 220. And when I drive it'll drop to around 190. The sensor is in the same spot as the OEM Gauge. As for the thermostat, Im still insure if I'm running one. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1975 Chevy Cheyenne w/ v8 350 and TH350 Siverado interior Fleetside bed aka "The Beast" aka "Cheyerado"

10-06-2011, 09:10 PM	#14
cjlinkster Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Atlanta ga Posts: 150	Re: Ideal Running Temperature For a quick check... When the engine is cold, take the radiator cap off and then start the engine. If you see coolant flowing; then chances are you either have a stuck open thermostat or it has been removed. My truck seems to run best with the 190 degree thermostat. On my particular truck (1984), the vacuum advance source of vacuum is controlled by a temp switch. __________________ 1984 C20, 454, 4 speed named "Gold Member"

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