PONTIAC FACT:
Untitled Document
National Parts Depot
engine water temp

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    PontiacRegistry.com Forum Index -> Traditional Pontiac V8 Information
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Rluongo64



Joined: 10 Jan 2017
Posts: 15


1964 Grand Prix

PostPosted: Fri May 15, 2020 7:51 pm    Post subject: engine water temp Reply with quote

Hi,
I have a newly rebuilt 389 (64 grand prix) with a newly rebuilt 400 turbo the car runs between 200 and 210 degrees. Anyone know what a normal running temp is??
Thanks Rich
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Larry
Site Admin


Joined: 01 Jun 2006
Posts: 4768




PostPosted: Sat May 16, 2020 9:29 am    Post subject: Engine Temperature Reply with quote

Welcome to the wonderful world of "Pontiacs like to run hot." That seems to be something I have always heard.

You don't mention under what conditions the temps are reached. Sitting, driving (city, highway)?

The Shop Manual naturally shows a 180-degree thermostat opening at 180 degrees, but little after that. It also describes the 15# radiator cap as raising the boiling point to 250 degrees.

I have a 400 in my '40 Pontiac with new aluminum radiator, big electric fan, etc. Down here in Florida, in normal days (like last week when I drove it) of 80 degrees, in city traffic it got up to about 190 degrees. In the summer when we reach the low 90s, with the A/C running (and an additional fan too), in city it will easily get up to 210 degrees. But it has never gone over that, nor over heated.

I have seen manuals the refer to not running over 220 degrees (when discussing the thermostat). And I have seen many forum discussions that say 220 is fine, but up to 235 is not.

I run 50-50 coolant and have tried the additives like Water-Wetter (though never that brand) and never saw a reduction.

I have also had people tell me their high performance built engine pulling a trailer with a car on it at highway speeds never gets over 160 degrees. I'll believe that when I see it myself.

I put an external transmission cooler on my 350TH and removed the trans coolant from going into the radiator, thinking who needs that extra heat there? I can't say I saw a difference, but will leave it as I have it- can't hurt.

make sure sending unit is at front of intake and not in the head for the most accurate reading. And don't always trust the unit either. A laser heat gun works well in double checking temps in and out of the radiator.

Make sure your fan is working (if clutch type) and that you have a good shroud on the engine with the fan blade half in and half out. Temps may come down a bit too after the rebuilt engine is broke in. Everything is probably pretty tight right now.

Keep us posted.

_________________
PontiacRegistry.com... building the single largest source of Pontiac information, services, and entertainment in the world!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail AIM Address
Rluongo64



Joined: 10 Jan 2017
Posts: 15


1964 Grand Prix

PostPosted: Sat May 16, 2020 8:27 pm    Post subject: Engine temp Reply with quote

I will keep you informed but thank you
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    PontiacRegistry.com Forum Index -> Traditional Pontiac V8 Information All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You cannot download files in this forum
Untitled Document

PontiacRegistry.com, the ALL Pontiac Club for ALL Pontiac Lovers– dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and enjoyment of all years, models, and types of Pontiacs. Enjoy your Pontiac hobby at the only 24-7 Pontiac Club that brings you Pontiac News, Pontiac Information, and Pontiac Entertainment at the speed of light. Join today and help support and build the best of all Pontiac Clubs in the world. Clubs are for people too, not just cars. If you do not yet have a Pontiac, or just enjoy sharing information and learning about them....welcome!





 All Rights Reserved © 2012-2024 PontiacRegistry.com, LLC PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS & CONDITIONS | CONTACT US
Michael J. Gifford, Web Developer