How high of a water temp can engine get and be deemed safe?

[diamondlarry]

Originally Posted by Eli

Synthetic oils have no problems with 240F degree temperatures. But I agree overall with your sentiment.

Like I said, much less room for error. If you have the same flat, 100MPG commute every day, installing a hotter thermostat and retarding when the fan comes on should be OK. If you were to need to suddenly climb Pike's Peak, such a setup likely would result in disaster.

I wouldn't go above 220F personally - this would result in ~240F under stressful conditions.

I saw 217F several times during the trip to Phoenix with the 3/4 radiator block in.

Originally Posted by Eli

This is a good thought. Note though that it will only work with the grill block in place. Otherwise, it increases the efficiency of the cooling system, which isn't desirable if your goal is to make things warm up more quickly.

Good points Eli. I don't think I would even want to do sustained runs much over 215F. I guess the main thing I'm trying to avoid is the fans sucking up the huge amount of current they do at such a low temperature.

I have heard of water wetter-type products before and tend to avoid them for the reasons you mentioned. Several years ago, I heard about a special type of coolant fluid that actually used no water and didn't require pressurization to work. The fact that it didn't require pressure to operate made it much easier on hoses (maybe even head gaskets?) and made them last longer. The higher temps made the engine more efficient as well. The problem I saw was, it would be difficult (if not impossible) to find a higher temp thermostat to take advantage of the higher temps possible with the coolant. It was also a bit on the pricey side. I may have to see if I can locate the info on the stuff. I'm thinking maybe along the lines of a milder version of the adibiatic (sp?) engine of, I believe, Smoky Yunic? It was extremely efficient but materials then weren't up to snuff and didn't have very good longevity.

[NorthwestIL]

My Insight continually blows cols and then later warm/hot air. So, I took it in to a NAPA mechanics garage. He put it up and the rack and searched with a flashlight. It would not leak and we spent an hour adding 10 pounds of pressure. Still- no leaks- then we started and ran the engine for 15 minutes and still no leaks.
Then I drove 15 miles home and my car was howling just spitting antifreeze out all over. It was blowing cold and then hot air. The dash heat light in the Insight showed normal temperature.
Please talk about saving our heating/ coolant problems Thanks!

[Eli]

It needs to be bled.

[aisbell]

This thread includes a good description of the somewhat unusual coolant system air bleeding procedure. You need to do this before you damage your engine.