What is normal operating temp for 3FE? (1 Viewer)

[xxAg3ntOrang3xx]

I'm asking because my stock guage has been acting up lately, so I installed a mechanical temp gauge and I'm trying to dial in my e-fans to the correct temp. I currently have them set to turn on @ 185 and turn off @ 180.

Thanks for the help.

 

[CrackedCranium]

will the stock thermostate is a 195 degree
so that would say 195, but you can have 185 degree,
thermostate so it all depends on which thermostate you have.

 

[xxAg3ntOrang3xx]

thanks, I'll adjust the setting on the fans to match the oe 195.

 

[slcfj62]

You would definitely set the fan on temp higher than the thermostat temp. Prior to the thermostat opening, the coolant is not going through the radiator, so it would do no good to run the fan.

 

[Moby]

I have an aftermarket Nordskog temp gauge with the sender in the t-stat housing below the t-stat (opposite the stock sender). I have a new OEM t-stat. I have a new aftermarket 4 row radiator. I run dual SPAL 11" fans in a custom shroud with a Delta Current Control variable speed controller. I have it set to come on right around 200. This setup maintains a temp range of 198-203.

I tried running a 185 t-stat but after comparing it to OEM I went back to OEM. The opening is physically larger in the OEM t-stat. I believe that the 185 version I was running was restricting flow. Wasn't a problem unless it was over 100 and I was fully loaded down pulling a grade. The OEM t-stat also seems more sensitive (maintains a smaller range of temp fluctuation with the same fan/controller setup)? May just be perception and not reality though.

 

[Randy88FJ62]

I have a thermocouple attached on the outside casting of the engine and it gets up to around 185 on the streets and around 200 on grades. On hot days and pushing it I have seen over 200.

 

[xxAg3ntOrang3xx]

Thanks for the info. I have it set to turn the fans on @ 200 and off @ 190. It seems to be working well cruising around town. I'll have to take it on a little road trip this weekend and see how it does on the interstate.
Another question, What is too hot?
I know the boiling point of antifreeze/water depends on the system pressure...but assuming stock cap in good cond. and 50/50 mix, what is the max safe temp?

 

[cruiser88]

190 is prime

 

[ozarkmud]

FSM says 88C / 191F. Is that the *ideal* temperature for these engines, or just what the specced for US trucks due to emissions? Did global market trucks have different thermostats? It sounds like the 2F came with a couple different thermostats depending on the year.

I've heard that there's no reason (maybe other than hotter heater output or emissions) to have thermostats hotter than a certain temperature.

This comes to mind: Race Thermostat - BDK - https://bdkraceeng.co.uk/tc/products.php?276

Also curious about this for the 1FZ, and if anyone deliberately fits a cooler thermostat.

Edit: More info: 170° PERFORMANCE THERMOSTATS by Reische Performance Products - https://www.reischeperformance.com/WhyLowTemp.html

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