Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines 292/250 Engine Temp Question

I recently overhauled an inline Chevy 6, 292 bottom with 250 integral top. Previously I had no temp gauge but decided to install one. The probe point for the electric gauge that I choose was between #5 and #6 cyclinders on the left hand side of head. The gague is reading 210 degrees at 60 mph. (calibration checked on kitchen stove) Radiator is a 4 core (new) and water pump is from a 1963-64 292 with bypass hose. The only change that may be causing the high temp is my water pump pulley, which is a smaller diameter. (choosen for belt alignment) My thermostat is reading 180 degrees, I tried two. Should I try another water pump pulley or different temp probe location ? Or is this temperature normal ? Thank you.

I was running about that hot this summer in Tucson on a freshly-breaking-in engine. After changing out to a 160* thermostat, it was still hot until I thinned out the coolant ratio. I was running about 70% Prestone, 30% water. I thinned it out to 50/50 or even 40/60 and my temps went down. Now it runs about 180* even in winter [such as it is here].

Try placing your temp probe in the themostat housing. It's further away from the headers which might be causing a false reading.

RapRap
1940 ChoppedChevyCoupe

Anti Freeze / Coolant - NOT. I always do start up and the first few hundred mile break in with just plain water with a small can of corrosion inhibiter added to it. I have consistantly noted a 10 degree rise in operating temp after the system is drained and refilled with the 50 / 50 mix of anti freeze and water. The explanation is simple. Nothing absorbs and dissipates heat faster than clean water. Aside from the obvious reason to run anti freeze it also raises the boiling point of the water proportional to the strength you mix it so it is a trade off in some respects.

Anyone have an opinion on Water Wetter? I use it in my PCs, and it does drop temps quite well...

Hugh

Yes, Chopped 40 was half correct. The car has no headers.However,I removed the gague from between cyc. 5 and 6 and put it on top of the thermostat housing and it made a huge difference in the engine temperature reading. Stop and go driving was reading 210 to 215. Now it is 180 to 185. Highway driving was 205 to 210. Now it is 165 to 170. Amazing.So I believe the front of the engine to run cooler than the rear. Thank you guys for the suggestions.

Just curious: why did you use the integeal head?

We choose the integral head because it is so readily available, was set up for dual exhaust, and runs unleaded.

Contary to popular belief running a full oil pressure system engine at 210 degs is not determintal to the engine, in fact it allows the oil temperature to get hot enough to burn off sludge forming compounds. You get better fuel economy to boot. To maintain a decent air intake temperature - build a fresh air intake, if you don't like the looks of it when you get to a place where you want to open the hood - take it off and put your show airfilter on....

Are you running a fan shroud?

Hi Newcomer.

I have a question for you.

I have 1979 with a 250 and intergrated head. My temp probe sender is in the water-neck up front along with two TVS's (thermal vacuum switches). The temp probe sends to the orignial dash temp. gauge.

My question is I have another probe with a wire
between the # 5 and # 6 cylinder. It has what might be a 1/8" pipe thread, to thread into the head. Do you know what the function of this sending unit is?

Thanks.
EV

El Viejo, The engine I bought was a basket case. I am not sure what the factory temp. gage was used.