I was at the Hobby Center on base changing my RR lug stud (which was MUCH easier than I thought...didn't have to pull the axle)...This was done about a month ago.

I saw a laser temp gauge on the desk of the service area... Now keep in mind, the ambient temprature that day is around 86 degrees with minimum humidity. I drove about 20 miles to base, used third gear a lot, untill I got on the freeway. I have a 160* T-stat and my fans programed to 180* something. Not sure, was done two years ago w/ my LS1 edit. My temp gauge was at 200* at time of testing.

After sitting for about a half an hour in the garage while I did the lug stud, I fired it back up, grabbed the laser thermometer and started measuring various random ponts of the engine and coolant system.

Fans were kicking on from time to time. I also undertsand that these are external temprature readings. The engine was also warming back up again. AND the hood was open, teps could be higher in the sun, when running at normal position. (hood closed)... Driving temps, etc..


Thermostat housing- 156*
Waterpump junction to thermostat- 165*
Thermostat/lower rad hose- 162*
Upper radiator hose male waterpump fitting -143-150*
Heads (at idle)- 158*
Radiator stayed a constant 130~ish degrees

INTAKE- Top of the plenum was constant 130*
LOWER INTAKE (to heads) -156*
TB- 112*
LID was a cool 102* at any point.
Bellows- 110*
MAF- 110*


After my fans kicked on/off a couple times, I figured she was warm and re-checked the temp gauge in the car.......sure enough.... it still read 200* Goes to show that the 99-02 Temp gauges are dummies. THey just show when the car is warm, so to not frighten the average owner when the gauge flops around.

 

Yep, but still will climb significantly past 210 with an overheating condition.

 

^^.....I posted this on another board after I was curious about operating temps after a 160* stat install. I found out for myself.

The gauge lies, yes. So IF you were to overheat, by the time the gauge read overheating it might be too late.

I was just posting this as research for whatever reason. THe engine actually does run failry cool w/ fans turned down and the T-stat installed.

 

The gauge will read 210 for the range of 180-226, above 226 it should rise dramatically, tho I've not had this condition ever happen.

I put in an aftermarket gauge so I'd not have to deal with the dummy.

 

Quick question. I'ved had my car for a year and some months, My temp guage was at 160 and now it's reading 200. I recently flushed the radiator and I'm still seeing my temp at 200. I'm not leaking any water on the radiator or water pump. Any ideas? Should I be worried?Thanx!

 

Yea the 99 and up gauge is a dummy but will show a over heat condition. I threw my belt one day it. The gauge showed the temp climb very quickly.