Date: 31 Jul 2003 07:23:10 -0700 From: alancemornopsamo.com (Lance Morgan) Subject: Re: How hot is too hot
"Ben Dixon" <dixonnopsamnet> wrote in message news:<3f2887bcnopsam.bmi.net>... > My friend just got a '86 4 cyl non turbo and it seems to run high on the > guage. Can somebody tell me about how high it should be and anything else > about the cooling system and any problems to look out for. Thanks for any > tips you might have. ben This varies dependent upon what t-stat temp and rad cooling fan switch temp (upper LH rad) are being run, and driving conditions Temp gauge usually shouldn't exceed 3/4 to red, at hottest w/stock 89C t-stat. If it does, replace t-stat. If no improvement, suspect clogged rad, then possibly failing head gasket or cracked head Fans should be kicking in ~2/3 to 3/4 to red, should be cycling in stop n go (as grunff states), should come on for a while after engine shut-down following a hot summer drive, but shouldn't be coming on at highway cruise IME, the oft-recommended 82C (77C-82C) rad switch is a bit too cool to be paired w/the 82C t-stat, and causes excessive fan cycling at cruise (could've have been that either my t-stat or fan switch were a bit out of spec) http://216.78.172.32/entry/tech_doc_systems.htm