normal operating temps....

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Jun 27, 2012 | 07:36 PM

jakeb

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normal operating temps....

I have a LS1 swapped into an 85 BMW 5 series. Taking it on it's first long trip this weekend and want to make sure everything is ok.

It seems like the temp is almost too low on the xway. At 75 I am around 175F - 180F and then in town it gets up in the 210F range.

Should it be dipping that low on the xway? Or should the thermostat regulate the temp so it is the same all the time?

Also something that I thought was odd is if I squeeze the upper radiator hose I can hear a little metal sound coming from the thermostat. Almost like you are ringing a bell...

I am leaving Friday so only have tomorrow if I am going to swap the tstat out or not.

Jun 27, 2012 | 08:34 PM

LS1MCSS

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Sounds like you might need a new thermostat.

Jun 27, 2012 | 08:59 PM

Lee12609

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thermostat only regulates the lowest operating temp. it sounds like your thermostat is stuck partially open.

i have a 170° thermostat in my car and it runs 175° highway and up to 195° in the city, i also have my fan temps changed in the tune though.

Jun 27, 2012 | 09:04 PM

jakeb

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I did buy another thermostat today and can/will swap it out tomorrow. The stock one from advance auto was a 186F. Is that correct?

What do you have your fans set at?

Jun 27, 2012 | 09:06 PM

Lee12609

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yes 186° is stock.

no clue about the fan settings was all done during tune.

Jun 27, 2012 | 09:09 PM

jakeb

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Is there an advantage to running something a little lower? other than the stock 186?

I live in Michigan so while it does get hot here it doesn't get THAT hot and not all the time.

Jun 27, 2012 | 09:16 PM

Johawk

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My car also reads low on the highway. Always has and never had an issue. Gets really hot with AC on in stop and go traffic. Fans dont go on high until 210* in stock tune. Before I changed fan setting car would run at 220* all day until I hit the open highway.