stefan256

iTrader: (1)

(yes its a noob question) Well I purchased my 2nd f body a 98 t/a and I cannot seem to get the car over 175 degrees is that a bad thing? I know its always good to keep them cool but most of the time it will barely go above 160. Just dont want to break anything any help would be appreciated.

00_transam_vert

iTrader: (5)

Are the fans comming on?

stefan256

iTrader: (1)

yes the fans work and the heater works fine

00_transam_vert

iTrader: (5)

Also do you know if the past owner put a lower thermo in it?

stefan256

iTrader: (1)

no i dont know if the last owner put a lower thermo but i still figured it would get over 175 idleing for 45 minutes even with a 160 thermo

PSU 98

iTrader: (4)

Maybe the previous owner installed a low-temp thermostat or had the fans programmed to come on earlier. I think the main problem with the engine running cooler than expected would be incomplete combustion.

00_transam_vert

iTrader: (5)

Yeah it should, but the fans do not come on at that tempurature stock. so i'd say there has been somthing added/tuned. Just my .02 im sure somone will have somthing else to add.

00_transam_vert

iTrader: (5)

Please correct me if im wrong, but isn't incomplete combustion a side affect of an engine running too cool? Im not saying your wrong, just tryn to learn too!

stefan256

iTrader: (1)

if i was getting incomplete combustion i would be losing power and gas mileage correct? Also if i didnt want to have the fans tuned to come on later if i replaced the thermostat with a 190 instead of a 160 would it help at all?

00_transam_vert

iTrader: (5)

It might be a good place to start. However if its not the problem, you would be bangn' your head against the wall and wasting time and money at the same time.

stefan256

iTrader: (1)

thats my problem if you read the 1st post

PSU 98

iTrader: (4)

Um, isn't that what I said? Maybe "improper" combustion is more accurate. A "too cold" engine is likely going to be running lean. Lean is not good for engine life.

00_transam_vert

iTrader: (5)

haha, well we never stop learning, and no matter what there's allways somone that knows a little more! Apon re-reading your first post, as long as you don't get the car too hot, there are little to no serious side-effects of running it at the temps you've stated.

00_transam_vert

iTrader: (5)

yes deffinantly, but 170 isn't cold. I means its not 195+, but its far from cold.

stefan256

iTrader: (1)

98 do you have any suggestions ? should i just replace the thermo with a 190 and hope it gets a little hotter or check the a/f ratio? also the it sounds like the fuel pump may be having a problem you know how it sounds when it starts up well its doing that sound while idleing it will run for about 10-15 minutes than it will do it again then idle for 10-15 minutes than do it again etc....

PSU 98

iTrader: (4)

175* might be hot if you're sticking your tongue in it, but compared to a stock LS1engine that idles just south of 210* it's running considerably colder.
If the PO is someone you know and/or are friendly with, you can ask about the mods and that might give you some idea of where to start. Installing a new 'stat isn't too expensive, just a bit of a PITA. I'm certainly no expert so I'm sure someone else here with more experience will step in and educate us all

stefan256

iTrader: (1)

thanks for the suggestions hoping someone will read this that has had this problem before

DWZ28

I never thought that there was anything wrong with 160-175 water temp
That would make me alot more comfortable than my stock temp at a little over 210
right now Im thinking of going to a SLP 160* Thermo

stefan256

iTrader: (1)

well it just has me concerned been told the car could be running too lean, fans just comoing on too early etc... my heater blows pretty hot so i dont know

DWZ28

I still dont understand how low water temp could cause it to run lean
If the water is colder than the engine is colder and colder air contains more Oxygen