Optimal Coolant Temps Question......
 

I have a 70 C10 with a 350 eng and 350 trans. My temp gage reads 210 degrees when its warmed up and stays at that constant temp, If I go out for a ride for an hour or so. Is that temp range optimal for that engine? It s seems to me it might be a bit too high, am I wrong with that assumption? It runs fine with no ill effects, or should it be a bit lower, say at 190?

Any help would be greatly appreciated... Thanks......

Re: Optimal Coolant Temps Question......
 

You're going to get a lot of opinions on this one. I feel the most comfortable when my engines are in the 180-200 degree range.

Where is your sending unit mounted? In my street rod I have two sending units... one in the head and one in the intake near the thermostat. I have a toggle switch that I can flip to view the difference in temps. The head always runs hotter than the temp near the thermostat. Radiator companies will tell you that the best place to check the temp is near the thermostat since you're getting an overall average temp of the coolant returning to the radiator. With the sending unit in the head, some people believe that being that close to the exhaust in the head... you'll see higher temps than what they actually are.
My opinion is 185-195. But I'll make way for others to chime in.

Re: Optimal Coolant Temps Question......
 

Mine is near the near the thermostat. It reaches about 210 at about 10 minutes and stays at that temp. I was just wondering if that may be a bit too hot and should probably change the thermostat to something a bit lower? I always thought that maybe 180 would be optimal... Not sure.......

Re: Optimal Coolant Temps Question......
 

I think you're right. For a stock engine isn't it 185-190 or something. Could be your gauge isn't reading exact and really is fine.

Re: Optimal Coolant Temps Question......
 

Do you have digital gauges? Sometimes you see temp swings and fluctuations with digital gauges that you would never see with regular needle gauges.

Re: Optimal Coolant Temps Question......
 

Stock spec is a 195 thermostat which should keep temps between 195-210 max. Somewhere around 240 bad things start to happen. I personally do not feel real comfortable with 210 but how accurate is your gauge? probably not exact. I like a 185, some go for the 165 but thats a bit too cold in my opinion. theres a lot to be said for the purpose of your vehicle and average climate where you live. You sure dont want a 165 if you lived in alaska, but if I were in Arizona a 175 or even 165 might make me feel a little safer. I would not be concerned with your temp reading 210. just my 2c ;)

Re: Optimal Coolant Temps Question......
 

195 is a good running temp. IMO To cold and you will start slugging up your engine, to hot and things can start cracking.

Re: Optimal Coolant Temps Question......
 

Concur that 195 is preferred - but if you're running 210 once warmed up all the time - and it never goes above that, I'd suspect the gauge is just a little off. Even if it isn't a gauge issue, 210 is ok. Higher isn't. I've had trucks run close to that, and some that run just below 200.

Re: Optimal Coolant Temps Question......
 

Thank you guys for all you info. I have a auto meter gage for the temp, ( its not digital ), and it does make me uncomfortable running at 210 but it stays constant, so I hope I'm ok. I will be flushing the system soon and look into what size thermostat I have and probably change it. Its my occasional beater ride and she runs great........