[batman09]

Can someone tell me the correct temperature my 350 sbc should be running at.My temp guage says 190.Does that sound right?thanks bm

[arch]

190 doesnt seem to bad for summer California weather.

[batman09]

I live in San francisco....65 degrees everyday.Does it still sound right or is it alittle high?

[TurboS10]

190 to 210 is about right. Some people will tell you that it should run cooler and will make more power there, but IMO that is BS. I'll explain.........
An engine needs to run around 200 degrees to make sure that all the oil contaminates stay "cooked" out and to ensure good lubrication. On the power issue, as engine operating temp goes up deltaT is reduced between coolant temp and combustion temp. This means less heat loss in the combustion process(basic thermodynamics). Of course under hood temps can become higher, and if you dont have a good cold air intake air density goes down so you gain little from the above improvement.

Chris

[stuartc]

200 to 210 i would be turning it off that is roasting,190 is ok or there abouts

[TurboS10]

Originally posted by stuartc
200 to 210 i would be turning it off that is roasting,190 is ok or there abouts

Water does not even boil until 212 at 1Bar. At 2Bar in the cooling system it can stand closer to 230 or 240(not sure what the exact number is) All new engines run in the 210 range with no issues for 100's of thousands of miles. I have run engines at 220 for long periods of time without a worry. Never had an issue.

Chris

[Jmark]

On some of the new cars, the temp light doesn't trip on until 250! Now thats scary!

[stuartc]

oh sorry i didnt see that he was running a new engine i thought he said what temp should my 350 run at?

[Terje]

Are newer engines made out of steel that melts or warps at higher temperatures than older engines?

(I believe it's actually the reverse, as newer engines have more aluminum than older engines.)

As long as your coolant doesn't boil, your engine will not overheat or melt or warp. An old or a new engine will handle 300 degrees Fahrenheit without damage. But, if the coolant boils, it will disappear out the overflow and then your engine will get a whole heck of a lot hotter than 300*F.

If your engine was designed to operate at 200*F and it's running significantly above that, then there is a problem with your cooling system. Also, if it's running significantly above 200*F your NOx output will be effected so you won't pass smog. Also given that the coolant and lubricants are probably designed to operate around 200*F any significant increase will probably breakdown those things faster.

I have a 350 in my truck and the engine was specifically designed to run at hotter than usual temperatures because it has an AIR smog system that pumps extra air into the exhaust ports in the manifold just outside the head in order to burn off any leftover hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, and a little extra engine temperature is required for this to function properly. It's an older engine, (1977). The radiator has tons of extra capacity to cool this engine because even if half full the engine doesn't overheat, but putting a cooler thermostat into the cooling system will negatively effect the smog output of this engine.

[TurboS10]

Originally posted by stuartc
oh sorry i didnt see that he was running a new engine i thought he said what temp should my 350 run at?

New or old is insignificant. As stated above, unless you boil the coolant, it will not hurt to run for a short period very hot. 200-210 is not that hot and any engine will be just fine running there contrary to some popular beliefs.

Chris

[Green Monster]

Originally posted by TurboS10
New or old is insignificant. As stated above, unless you boil the coolant, it will not hurt to run for a short period very hot. 200-210 is not that hot and any engine will be just fine running there contrary to some popular beliefs.

Chris

Agreed. I run a 78' 350 in my Nova and have had no problems with it running at 210* consistantly and occasionally even hotter than that.

[SAINTJOHN4561]

DUDES, I HAVE RUN CHEVYS ALL MY LIFE. 190-210 IS THE RANGE FOR ANY 350 OUT THERE. THAT IS THE NORMAL OPERATING TEMP. TO MAKE YOU FEEL EVEN BETTER I CONTACTED MY BROTHER IN LAW AT GMS REASEARCH AND DEV IN ROCHESTER NY AND HE ALSO CONFIRMS 190-210 AS NORMAL.
HOPE THIS HELPS.
SAINTJOHN THE CHEVY MAN

[UnixKid]

My chevy 350 runs at about 160 when your driving it and about 180-190 when sitting at idle.

[Siggy_Freud]

THANK YOU FOR THAT INFORMATION.

As was stated numerous times above, 190 is not out of range by any means. For example, my truck (a 66 gmc) and another 350 I've had lots of time with (an 85 vette), do not overheat until the 240 range. 190 is ususally target temperature for me on a moderately warm day.

[Canadian Charlie]

Up to 210 is OK