Running Temp.

[sc00ter18]

Just wanted to make sure my running temp is normal.

It usually will start a steady straight up very close to the 180 mark and after 40 min of driving will shift to where it is on the image and at time will go back and maybe a bit warmer than shown.

also , it seems to take longer to warm up, can some people share their warm up time based on a 70 degrees out side temp with normal driving.

Edited May 31, 2008 by sc00ter18

[Chris_in_NH]

normal. ;)

you will notice that if you have unblocked airflow (like on the highway) your temp will run lower, as opposed to sitting in stop-and-go, bumper-to-bumper traffic where the airflow is much less (and restricted to an extent).

[rsfeller]

Mine points 12 o'clock 24/7 no matter what the temp, where I drive or if the A/C system is involved. This is approx. 190F as mine is to the right of 180F like your photo. This is with a one year old thermostat (factory spec) and I am up to operating temperature in a bout 5-7 minutes of city driving at current spring temps.

I would expect auto-boxes to take a minute or two longer to warm as I am sure they are cooling the transmission too.

[pk2]

Mine is at noon 24-7 too. takes about 10 mins. to get there.

PK

[sc00ter18]

some have it 24/7 some have it fluctuate ..... what does it take to make it rock solid???

my air passages are clear and coolant is at normal level.

does the coolant brand have any to do with it ??? or perhaps just to update the thermostat??

[rsfeller]

Personally I think these types of quest would only drive you nuts. I tried this a couple years back with a Vanagon and wasted to much time and money trying to level out the cooling system.

Yes the themostat could be to blame (and is and easy swap) as it could be a non-spec model (different open temp), but it could be the sensitivity of you sender, gauge electronics and the fact you have an automatic. I'm guessing those of us stating 24/7 where 5 speeds, but I could be wrong.

If you are between 180-190F count you blessing and leave sleeping dogs lie!

You inquired about warm up times, do you feel yours takes to long? if so I would swap the thermostat especially if you don't know the maintenance history of the car.

[Chris_in_NH]

some have it 24/7 some have it fluctuate ..... what does it take to make it rock solid???

my air passages are clear and coolant is at normal level.

does the coolant brand have any to do with it ??? or perhaps just to update the thermostat??

why does it need to be 'rock solid'? if your car is not overheating and is within a 'normal' range, why worry about it? ;)

[sc00ter18]

some have it 24/7 some have it fluctuate ..... what does it take to make it rock solid???

my air passages are clear and coolant is at normal level.

does the coolant brand have any to do with it ??? or perhaps just to update the thermostat??

why does it need to be 'rock solid'? if your car is not overheating and is within a 'normal' range, why worry about it? ;)

no specific reason other than understanding why at some cases its solid and at other its not.

but i dont think im going to persue this.....

[Loren]

If there temperature (10-20 degrees) does not change then they likely do not drive in heavy stop n' go traffic.

[juniinc]

rock solid? I don't think U want it like that,,,

normally in heavy traffic, its suppose to rise a bit from this position