What is Normal operating Temperature for a 454BB & What is too Hot? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

petey-pablo · 10-15-2009, 06:35 AM

Ok guys, What is The Normal operating Temperature for a 454BBC, and What is TOO HOT? I am looking to replace my stock TEMP Gauge well maybe not replace it, I want to still keep it but add a second temp gauge and I am looking for other means to monitor my Water Temperature and I want to get the right gauge I have seen some read,100-240 Degrees F,100-250 degrees F, Even 100-280 degrees F. So what would be the best one for me to buy? Also what is best, Analog Or Digital What are others useing? Is there any gauges that would fit in our gauge clusters where the stock TEMP gauge goes without any modifications, If I were to change it out?
Thanks Pablo.....

68gmsee · 10-15-2009, 08:59 AM

Any of the above would probably work. The high end is strictly an indicator like the speedometer going to 120 or 150.

If the engine is creeping too much above the 190-200 degree range, it's probably running hot. Personally I like to see it in the 185 to 190 range. In some cases short instances of higher temp is not going to damage the engine but prolonged overheating can do serious damage.

Shyguy · 10-15-2009, 09:45 AM

It really depends on which 454 you have.

It is not usual for the one in my' '92 K-3500 to creep up to 230 degrees when pullling a heavy load. The manufactured auxiliary fan does not come on until 225 degrees.

Normally though when I am not pulling it runs in the 180-190 range even when running the a/c,

I use to do a lot of desert running pulling a travel trailer so I installed a coupld of 10" electric fans in front of the radiator to help on low speed pulls.

Danny

hootz · 10-15-2009, 09:45 AM

I had an El Camino 454 with factory a/c and on a hot day with the air on 210 degrees at idle would not be unusual. It depends on the thermostat used, type of cooling fan or fans, fuel mixture (the leaner the mixture, the engine temp is hotter), the mixture of anti-freeze to water (starts to lose cooling efficiency after 65% anti-freeze). What I'm trying to point out is one rig may run hotter or cooler than another depending on how it is set up.
7 pounds of pressure will increase the boiling point approximately 21 degrees at sea level bringing the boiling point to 233 degrees. So a max of 240 degrees on a gauge would indicate overheating.

69GMCLonghorn · 10-15-2009, 10:32 AM

In older vehicles, I've always run a 160° T-stat, especially in both '69 trucks I've owned. I've always been able to keep them running right close to that temp.

I've never run a big block, but I had a very built 350, running about 28° advance at an idle (don't ask, it just worked!). I never had the temp get above 180° after I had the stock radiator rotted out. These trucks do not typically run hot unless you have something unusual or over the top in terms of your engine. The only time mine climbed above the T-stat was when it was about 112° outside. I was ready to get it towed just so I could sit in the air conditioned tow truck!! HAHA

10-15-2009, 06:35 AM	#1
petey-pablo "THE GREEN GOBLIN" Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Fremont Ca. Posts: 1,025	What is Normal operating Temperature for a 454BB & What is too Hot? Ok guys, What is The Normal operating Temperature for a 454BBC, and What is TOO HOT? I am looking to replace my stock TEMP Gauge well maybe not replace it, I want to still keep it but add a second temp gauge and I am looking for other means to monitor my Water Temperature and I want to get the right gauge I have seen some read,100-240 Degrees F,100-250 degrees F, Even 100-280 degrees F. So what would be the best one for me to buy? Also what is best, Analog Or Digital What are others useing? Is there any gauges that would fit in our gauge clusters where the stock TEMP gauge goes without any modifications, If I were to change it out? Thanks Pablo..... __________________ Petey-pablo "THE GREEN GOBLIN" 1972 Cheyenne 10 Short Fleet Side Front 2.5inch Spindles with 2inch Springs Rear 4inch drop Springs. 454BBC TH400,Posi 1971 Cheyenne 10 Long Fleet Side 454BBC TH350,Posi Sold Drive it like you stole it! Petey-pablo@sbcglobal.net Last edited by petey-pablo; 10-15-2009 at 07:05 AM.

10-15-2009, 08:59 AM	#2
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: What is Normal operating Temperature for a 454BB & What is too Hot? Any of the above would probably work. The high end is strictly an indicator like the speedometer going to 120 or 150. If the engine is creeping too much above the 190-200 degree range, it's probably running hot. Personally I like to see it in the 185 to 190 range. In some cases short instances of higher temp is not going to damage the engine but prolonged overheating can do serious damage.

10-15-2009, 09:45 AM	#3
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: What is Normal operating Temperature for a 454BB & What is too Hot? It really depends on which 454 you have. It is not usual for the one in my' '92 K-3500 to creep up to 230 degrees when pullling a heavy load. The manufactured auxiliary fan does not come on until 225 degrees. Normally though when I am not pulling it runs in the 180-190 range even when running the a/c, I use to do a lot of desert running pulling a travel trailer so I installed a coupld of 10" electric fans in front of the radiator to help on low speed pulls. Danny __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

10-15-2009, 09:45 AM	#4
hootz Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Rogers, AR Posts: 15	Re: What is Normal operating Temperature for a 454BB & What is too Hot? I had an El Camino 454 with factory a/c and on a hot day with the air on 210 degrees at idle would not be unusual. It depends on the thermostat used, type of cooling fan or fans, fuel mixture (the leaner the mixture, the engine temp is hotter), the mixture of anti-freeze to water (starts to lose cooling efficiency after 65% anti-freeze). What I'm trying to point out is one rig may run hotter or cooler than another depending on how it is set up. 7 pounds of pressure will increase the boiling point approximately 21 degrees at sea level bringing the boiling point to 233 degrees. So a max of 240 degrees on a gauge would indicate overheating. __________________ Never say Never!!

10-15-2009, 10:32 AM	#5
69GMCLonghorn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Porter Ranch, CA Posts: 978	Re: What is Normal operating Temperature for a 454BB & What is too Hot? In older vehicles, I've always run a 160° T-stat, especially in both '69 trucks I've owned. I've always been able to keep them running right close to that temp. I've never run a big block, but I had a very built 350, running about 28° advance at an idle (don't ask, it just worked!). I never had the temp get above 180° after I had the stock radiator rotted out. These trucks do not typically run hot unless you have something unusual or over the top in terms of your engine. The only time mine climbed above the T-stat was when it was about 112° outside. I was ready to get it towed just so I could sit in the air conditioned tow truck!! HAHA



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