How hot should my engine run?

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testy - 07 Aug 2007 18:34 GMT

I replaced the water pump, thermostat, and drive belt in my '94 Chevy 1500 a
couple of weeks ago. I'm not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination:
oil changes, disc brakes, fuel filters, etc. However, I occasionally take
on a project when I can.

My truck is 2wd and is the W/T model so it's pretty much bare bones...no
A/C, 4.3 L.

Everything is working fine now. However, the truck only heats up to about
140 degrees on the temp gauge. At first I thought, "right on!" But I half
wonder if it shouldn't be running a little hotter. Is there a peak
temperature?

Thanks.

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nonsense - 07 Aug 2007 19:10 GMT

> I replaced the water pump, thermostat, and drive belt in my '94 Chevy 1500 a
> couple of weeks ago. I'm not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination:
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>
> Thanks.

I *always* check any new thermostat before I install
it. A thermometer and a pot of boiling water works
for all settings below 212.

As far as the reading on your gauge goes, if you're
relying on an electric one, don't count on it being
accurate.

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Jon - 07 Aug 2007 22:13 GMT

I had the same problem, it was the sensor in the block.

>> I replaced the water pump, thermostat, and drive belt in my '94 Chevy
>> 1500 a couple of weeks ago. I'm not a mechanic by any stretch of the
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> relying on an electric one, don't count on it being
> accurate.

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Marsh Monster - 08 Aug 2007 09:18 GMT

<<--WARNING-- liberal snippage ahead-->>
======
======

<snipped fer impotence>>

'94 Chevy 1500 .

<snip>

?I'm not a mechanic

<snip>

I occasionally take on a project when I can.

<various snips..editings>

2wd
W/T model
bare bones...
no A/C
4.3 L.

Everything is working fine now. ?

However, the truck only heats up to about
140 degrees on the temp gauge.

<snip>

?Is there a peak temperature?

<end snippage>
.
Thanks.

=========
=========

I would think you would be a bit more
concerned with reaching normal operating
temperature......

but....
that's jest me.....
and sumtimes....i gots me a baaaad habit of
read'n what's typed...and not what's not typed..
so please fergive my impert'nenc.

anywhooo......

To answer your question.....
the range of 180 to 200 should be what you'de
look for if you're after a peak reading, that is....
if the system is sealed well.....if not...then
feel free to use the boiling point of water as
"mean" peak figure.
(oh yeah..and the 180-200..is not vehicle specific)
(jest a personal acceptable level based on experience)
(though..at times..i will acept 220 as a peak)
(it's a climate thing)

~:~
MarshMonster
~pours a bit of crownroyal in his coffee.....
mmmm.....can i mix it up or what~
~:~

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Stormin Mormon - 08 Aug 2007 21:35 GMT

Should be pretty close to the temp rating of the thermostat you
installed. What temp was the thermostat?

Mine runs about 140, according to an IR thermometer I pointed at
it. I read the temp of the thermostat housing after I'd got home
from some driving, and only a couple seconds after turning off
the engine. Throws enough heat in the winter, so I stopped
worrying about it.

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Christopher A. Young
You can't shout down a troll.
You have to starve them.
.

: I replaced the water pump, thermostat, and drive belt in my '94 Chevy 1500 a
: couple of weeks ago. I'm not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination:
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
:
: Thanks.

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Norman R. Cross - 25 Dec 2007 15:03 GMT

>I replaced the water pump, thermostat, and drive belt in my '94 Chevy 1500
>a couple of weeks ago. I'm not a mechanic by any stretch of the
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>
> Thanks.

What temperature did it run at before the thermostat was replaced. If it ran
hotter it probably would be a thermostat sticking open. While not as common
as sticking shut it does happen. As to running temp would vary a little bit
according to what range thermostat is installed - most use 190-195
thermostat. Engine temp should go to this or maybe a little higher and drop
slightly as it opens.

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