cooling

[nitro1887]

I have a 1979 gmc 3/4 ton whith a 350. The temp gauge does not have any numbers on it. Does anybody know what temp it is running at when the needle is strait up and down? I just bought a griffin aluminum 19 by 31 inch radiator does anybody know how much these aluminum radiators drop your temp over the stock one.

[Honest Mike]

Very hard to say on both things you ask, but I will say that on my truck, 210 degrees is directly in the middle. That doesnt mean thats exacty what the coolant temperature is though, those gauges arent 100% accurate so I hear. Mike

[nitro1887]

What temp do chevy 350s run at?

[76chevyman]

On my 76 chevy it runs on the line right after the c mark u know that firs tline. And that around 160- 170. I have had it up to the middle on the highway with the plow up. I just lower the plow and the temp came right down. I wouldnt say its a bad thing to run in the middle. I just dont like to run there.

Rich:burnout

[Honest Mike]

Too cool is no good either though I will say. If an engine runs too cool, it starts to get a white milky look to the motor oil, this is a no no. Its like having a little bit of water in with your motor oil, condensation. I used to run a 160 degree thermostat in my Camaro and it wasnt getting hot enough, and was starting to get a very slight white milky look to the oil and inside the oil cap. The reason I put the 160 in is because they say the cooler a motor runs, it will make a little more power. That may be true, but it was a trade off in my case, a trade off I wasnt gonna stick with. I went back to the 180 degree thermostat when I saw what the 160 was doing. 180 was what was in there originally, which I was a little surprised at too. I thought it would be a 195, but I guess the 180 was a good choice because the fans turn on so damn late on these cars. Mike

[76chevyman]

i agree with you Mike 97 SS about the milky film. I dont have that problem. Im not even sure on what thermostat is in my truck i havent replaced it sence i bought it. I just took the temp with my temp gun. as for the milky film there are a few other things to creat that as well, not only the colder thermostat. It has alot with how your useing your truck or car and so on. But yes be care full when you start playing around with differant thermostats.

Rich


:burnout