"operating" temp?

Cobb · 03-29-2011, 12:24 AM

Anyone with a manual able to look up the thermostat temp or operation temperature of this car? I see through playing with grill blocking and this changing weather that the warmer you let the car stay before the cooling fan cuts on it seems to hurt mpg. I know the compression is rather high and the dual ignition system is designed to reduce preignition. Having said that I cant tell any better perforamnce with anything other than regular octane gas either.

So far what I can see in stop n go traffic it hovwers around 154 degrees, 177 on the interstate.

**Jayemtee** · 03-29-2011, 12:46 AM

From the manual...

Thermostat starts opening 169-176 degrees F

Thermostat full open 194 degrees F

Thermostat lift travel .31 inch

It also appears that high speed radiator fan should happen around 205 degrees F.

The manual doesn't elaborate on description or theory.

Willie Williford · 03-29-2011, 01:58 AM

What JAYEMTEE posted is about the "par" for most vehicles produced now days.
In the "old days" the operating temps were much cooler. It was not uncommon to change the thermostat between winte and summer. With the advent of computerized ignition now it is not necessary.
The increase in operating temps is mainly for "emissions", with a side effeect of a little better mpg at a cost of performance.
From what I can gather from experience, etc. operating temps now days are between 195-205F.
HTH
Willie

Cobb · 03-31-2011, 12:30 AM

Thanks guys. Reason I ask it seems the i2 doesnt like heat as it lowers fuel economy. My Geo Metro on the other hand loves it. It seems to like 195 degrees and its fan comes on at 204. The i2 seems to like 177. I want to say low speed comes on about 195. I only see that when idling around looking for a parking place.

I know the manual gives several different procedures for over heating. When the temp light flashes or stays on red steady in conjunction to what is displayes on the mid. I havent experience either.

I think my diesel was like 215 before it opened and the gan didnt come on til almost 300 degrees.

twulz · 04-23-2012, 03:36 PM

So far I see coolant temperatures of about 180 F during normal driving and up to 196 F when going up large hills. This seems pretty high compared to the temps that Cobb was quoting. I also have a partial lower grill block though. Anyone else with a Ultragauge or Scangauge care to report some average operating temps?

RahTX · 04-23-2012, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twulz

So far I see coolant temperatures of about 180 F during normal driving and up to 196 F when going up large hills. This seems pretty high compared to the temps that Cobb was quoting. I also have a partial lower grill block though. Anyone else with a Ultragauge or Scangauge care to report some average operating temps?

I have a SGII and no grill block and that seems about right. I don't have any hills to speak of here, but I do notice the temperature generally gets into the 180's (F) before leveling out. This will be the first summer I've had the SGII, so I'm curious to see what the temp does...

Cobb · 04-23-2012, 06:07 PM

Ive experimented while I was MIA if a full grill block causing the cooling fan to keep the car cool vs allowing enough air through the grill to keep it in the sweet spot was better for mpg. Ultimately a full grill block and using the cooling systems electric fans gave the most mpg.

Of course 2nd best was to run the heater with the full grill block keeping it around 186. We all cant run the heater to regulate engine temp year round.

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