Normal Operating Temp?

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collk22

collk22

10 Year
Joined
Oct 3, 2014
Threads
17
Messages
699
What are people seeing for normal operating temps in the 100 series?

I just hooked up a ScanGauge in my 98 and it's been showing the engine/coolant temp running between 200-206 the last few days (city driving, AC on). I'm wondering how my temp compares to others and if I should be concerned. I was expecting something closer to 195*

The LC is super charged (which I assume matters), has Toyota red coolant, and is located in Denver.

My apologies as this has probably been asked and answered, but I searched and was not able to find an existing thread.
 
Thermostat should say 82 Celsius (179.6 Fahrenheit) so it is the operating temperature. Here in west TX, even on a day with 40 Celsius, all my toyota's had 76-82C at the coolant inlet (checked with an Infrared thermometer).

Is your radiator, AC condenser and transmission cooler fins clear from debris? FAN clutch working properly? OEM or Aisin? When the engine is cold, spray and clean the fins with water. Removing the grill will help to access the heat exchangers.
 
nissanh said:
Thermostat should say 82 Celsius (179.6 Fahrenheit) so it is the operating temperature. Here in west TX, even on a day with 40 Celsius, all my toyota's had 76-82C at the coolant inlet (checked with an Infrared thermometer).

Is your radiator, AC condenser and transmission cooler fins clear from debris? FAN clutch working properly? OEM or Aisin? When the engine is cold, spray and clean the fins with water. Removing the grill will help to access the heat exchangers.
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I guarantee yours doesn't operate at 179.6 F. And the supercharged ones should have a 160 F thermostat.

I think mine is usually around 200 but I'm not 100%. And it's supercharged with the 160 F thermostat. I'll check and report back in a day or so.
 
Between here in WNC and out and back to Ocracoke Island last week I never saw anything higher than 196,

Typically around town it holds between 188-193,

Via my SCII.
 
@ton504 Thanks for your input - I'm looking forward to your response.

What's the reasoning on using the 160* thermostat?

Looks like the need for the lower thermostat is discussed here:

Hundy TRD Supercharger Newbie Guide
 
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Using my Ultra-Gauge mine runs at 190-194 all day long no matter the load in the summer, a little cooler in the winter.
I have a 180 thermostat.
 
Greenbean said:
Between here in WNC and out and back to Ocracoke Island last week I never saw anything higher than 196,

Typically around town it holds between 188-193,

Via my SCII.
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Ditto in south Florida.
 
It was 90 here yesterday, and in city driving my SC II showed 193 to 202 degrees. SLL coolant was exchanged in the past 18mo (7500miles).
 
Anywhere from high 180's to mid 190's on mild days, 195 to 200 on most Socal Summer days. A few instances during a long drive while flooring it up long, steep grades with AC on a 100+ degree-day it reached 204 (which is where my ultra gauge temp alarm is set to go off). That's very rare though.
 
@collk22

It's been overcast today with sprinkles here and there. Its been steady around 196 F cruising around 70 mph when it wasn't raining. Supercharged with 160 F thermostat.

I'll update when its hot and sunny.
 
I live in Los Angeles near the beach and my 06 runs at ~ 196 - 198 continuously (I also have a scan guage II) and have the stock thermostat. The hottest I've ever hit that I noticed was 202 pulling my offroad trailer up a steep grade in the Sierra's.
 
Yesterday I was running right around 200 most of the day; I'm really starting to wonder about the thermostat right now and if I should replace.
 
My 98 runs 188-207, depending on load, wind, terrain etc. I have seen 209 once battling a tough wind in KS.
 
brianrride said:
My 98 runs 188-207, depending on load, wind, terrain etc. I have seen 209 once battling a tough wind in KS.
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Well my truck is running hot then. I replaced coolant when I bought it and replaced the heater Ts at the same time. I'm pretty sure the wp and TB have been done. This is sitting in the line at Starbucks in Vegas after a 20min hwy ride. Temps on the interstate were high 190s. After I left the line it cooled off to 208. Any thoughts?

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bearskinrug said:
Well my truck is running hot then. I replaced coolant when I bought it and replaced the heater Ts at the same time. I'm pretty sure the wp and TB have been done. This is sitting in the line at Starbucks in Vegas after a 20min hwy ride. Temps on the interstate were high 190s. After I left the line it cooled off to 208. Any thoughts?
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the usual suspects, radiator cap, radiator, t-stat, and fan clutch. How many miles on your truck? I had a radiator let go at 240K. Might as well do t-stat and fan clutch while your there if you're near that kind of mileage, especially in Vegas. I run pretty dang cool here in Phx. I'll post up my numbers next Tuesday afternoon on the way home when it's gonna be 120 deg (in the shade, not on the blacktop) :)
 
re_guderian said:
the usual suspects, radiator cap, radiator, t-stat, and fan clutch. How many miles on your truck? I had a radiator let go at 240K. Might as well do t-stat and fan clutch while your there if you're near that kind of mileage, especially in Vegas. I run pretty dang cool here in Phx. I'll post up my numbers next Tuesday afternoon on the way home when it's gonna be 120 deg (in the shade, not on the blacktop) :)
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thanks for the suggestions. Its a black 2004 with 126k on the clock. how big a project is the rad/t stat/fan clutch? I already need to do the front wheel bearings and cvs, and its gonna be 118 this weekend....
 
bearskinrug said:
thanks for the suggestions. Its a black 2004 with 126k on the clock. how big a project is the rad/t stat/fan clutch? I already need to do the front wheel bearings and cvs, and its gonna be 118 this weekend....
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I wouldn't do a radiator just yet, most likely it is tyhe fan clutch. Go to Amazon and order a new one, $80 for the AISIN, $50 for a Hayden with lifetime warranty.
Thermostat is easy, takes like 15min. Again, Amazon, gasket too if it's not included.

Last weekend running in the sand dunes, upper 80's low 90's for temps, drag racing for half hour straight, climbing dunes, getting stuck, a/c on of course, and my truck never got over 200.
 
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