FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

Can anyone tell what the normal operating temp is for a 202? Fahrenheit if possible please.

Cheers

Glenn,

Thermostat rating is 'normal' operating temperature.

The cooling system operates in a closed loop, controlled by temperature feedback from the coolant to the thermostat. If the temperature gauge shows anything much different to the thermostat rating then cooling efficiency needs to be looked at. You should remember though that most temperature senders are placed at the rear of the head on a Holden 6, the hottest part of the cooling system, so you might see a slightly higher temp than that of the thermostat.

You can get different temperature thermostats but I reckon a 72 Deg C (160 Deg F) unit is best.

Cheers,

Craig.

Stinky,
I believe the "stock" thermo rating is 180 deg f, or 82 deg C.

I regards to what Craig mentioned concerning the location of the temp probe - I have tried to ask as many people as possible the better location (thermo housing or rear of head).

A lot of people tend to believe the rear of the head would be warmer, yet there is also a theory that the cooling water runs from the rear of the head to the front where it sits on the thermo till opening - in this case this is the final point for the water before it is cooled.  Considering the water has had more time to absorb more heat from the block and head than it would at the rear probe location - it should be hotter?

Craig - have you found any differences in economy or power delivery running different temp rated thermos?

Dave

Thanks guys.
Just wondering now if the temp guage isn't busted?
The temp seems to settle around 210 F, I was getting worried because it was going to 250F and not stopping, so I tested the thermostat in a cup of boiling water and it was opening OK.
It must have been an air pocket where the temp sender is as it went to over 250F really quickly, then I let run that little bit longer (been switching it iff in panic) and it started back down again to 210F.
The motor has the metal fan and a thermo, but the thermo hasn't been cutting in at it's middle setting. The problem there is that the sender for the thermo is in the top radiator hose.
Ahhh, the joys of breaking in a new car  ::)

Off to check the thermo switch settings.

Stinky,

Just to make sure - when you filled your new radiator did you turn the heater on and let the engine run with the radiator cap off until the thermo opened then top up the remainder of the cooling capacity?  Otherwise you have a large air block.

I made this mistake the first time I ever installed a new radiator.

Dave

What heater?  ;D
Yep, I left the cap off and got the motor up to temp then topped up again.
When it's road ready, I will be able to test it properly.