>I've got a 180 thermostat which works great. The temp gauge is usually
>just a hair over the lowest mark by the "C". However I have noticed
>that if I set and idle the engine with the a/c on (in hot weather) the
>guage will rise, once it got just past the half way mark. I know that
>its normal for an engine to heat up in idleing conditions like stop and
>go traffic and such but should it get so hot so quick (about 10 min)?
>It also *seems* to be sporatic, next day I was in a parking lot waiting
>on someone for about 10 min. same conditions and outside temps, and the
>gauge *barely* moved at all. When it does this, when I hit the road it
>drops back to normal very quickly, I guess the air flow does this?
>Could my fan clutch be getting weak and not blowing enough air? I have
>just recently drained and flushed the cooling system, could my ratio of
>antifreeze/water make a differance? What about a hi-flow tstat? Oh,
>yeah, I do not have the heavy duty cooling option...
>
>Any thoughts, or should I even be concerned?
>--
>Michael Clark mike@snakebite.com
> '93 Mark III 4X2 V-8 SWB RC auto
> MP SBEC, K&N FIPK, Flowmaster cat-back dual
> Doug Thorley Headers (on order)
> http://userv.wt.net/~mclark/
Being that the stock gauge does not have any type of numbers on it, I would
have to guess that the point where your gauge goes (you said barely above
half way) is around 180 degrees. This is where the thermostat opens and
starts letting more water through and maintaining that temperature. When
you go down the road, the combination of your clutch fan and air through
the radiator cools your engine down, (I would guess around 150-160 degrees)
and the thermostat goes back to a lower flow. Also your clutch fan
beginning it's job of slipping to save power.
Unless you are pushing near the top of your gauge, or notice a real problem
with overheating, you should be Ok. I was really impressed how well this
truck with a V8 stays cool. My 1968 Barracuda with a 318 has a much harder
problem cooling itself in this 90 degree weather we are having.
Hoped I helped.
Rob Robinson
1996 Dodge Dakota Sport-RED
"Magnum Force" stripe kit
Short Bed Standard Cab
318-3.55
"Air by Meldrum"-(14" chrome air cleaner 3" K&N Element)
Rhino muffler-dual exit
9.9 @ 72mph 1/8 mile
Secretary-Crystal Coast Mopar Club
1968 Plymouth Barracuda Fastback
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