| Author | Message | ||
| Austin Davis (Zimtok)
Registered Member Username: Zimtok Post Number: 33 Registered: 9-2006 Posted From: 216.37.73.226 Rating: N/A |
I have searched this thread but could not find anything about the NORMAL engine running temp should be. AND what are the effects if any if it is running BELOW normal temp. Here's my situation. 1960 4104, owned it only 8-10 weeks but I have never seen the temp get any higher then 120-130 deg. Is this OK? I know my radiator shutters don't work because the actuator for them is not there. Any and all comments are welcome... . | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 292 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.90.26.119 Rating: N/A |
first guess would be the temp guage is not working,check connections, | ||
| John Zabrocki (John_z)
Registered Member Username: John_z Post Number: 10 Registered: 9-2006 Posted From: 64.61.224.231 Rating: N/A |
Yep, check the temp back at the engine if you can. If it really is running cold then i would check the thermostats next. Seems to me i have read it should run around 180 for a normal temp. Also, i believe it will build up carbon if run cold. My 4104 does not have shutters, but after an hour or two on the highway will reach at least 160 or so even in this cold (northern Minnesota) weather. Have you tried covering the radiator? That might help. | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 293 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.90.27.160 Rating: N/A |
I would not suggest covering the radiator till you find out CORRECT temp. nothing runs down the highway at 140,get one of those laser thermometers,40 dollars,very handy item,use it for checking wheel bearings after a run(etc).google HARBOR FREIGHT,then LASER THERMOMETOR | ||
| Austin Davis (Zimtok)
Registered Member Username: Zimtok Post Number: 34 Registered: 9-2006 Posted From: 216.37.73.226 Rating: N/A |
So with the laser thermometer I guess I would check the temp at several locations on the block and maybe even the radiator tank to get an average temp. . | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Registered Member Username: Rjlong Post Number: 1083 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 67.181.163.170 Rating: N/A |
Austin - Good advice from others, gives you a place to start. Also look in the engine compartment, many GMCs have both oil pressure and coolant temperature mechanical gauges back there. Gives you something to compare with up front. Agree w/ Bob that it's a good possibility that the dash temp gauge is malfunctioning. Check the ground on the gauge and the sender on the engine. IIRC, the dash gauge should read maximum temp when the sender lead is grounded to the block. FWIW & HTH. . .  | ||
| Bob greenwood (Bob_greenwood)
Registered Member Username: Bob_greenwood Post Number: 294 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 4.90.27.160 Rating: N/A |
point guage at water pump | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member Username: Chessie4905 Post Number: 333 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.58.126.56 Rating: N/A |
check the gage as above, but your coach will run cold if the shutters stay open this time of the year.Luke may have an actuator | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member Username: Gusc Post Number: 225 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 63.97.117.28 Rating: N/A |
That is normal for a 4104 without shutters closed and probably your engine thermostat isn't working. Mine had the same temps as yours until I got the shutters working. It sure is nice when the shutters work properly. Normal with everything working should be near 180*, lower if engine not working. | ||
| David Evans (Dmd)
Registered Member Username: Dmd Post Number: 104 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 72.80.31.224 Rating: N/A |
Yup, my 4-71 ran so cool i thought the gauge was bad. I bought it in Conn. in Nov and drove it south and around the Georgia line she started climbing. No shutters and no thermostat! I used a old mudflap with a bungee cord for a while and even with the thermostats replaced she ran cool in the winter up north. To cool is not cool for the engine. | ||
| Buswarrior (Buswarrior)
Registered Member Username: Buswarrior Post Number: 934 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 64.231.11.212 Rating: N/A |
Hello. Every busnut needs to get an IR temp gun!!!! Underway, at highway speed, up the mountains, in our MC8, my teenage daughter can shoot the coolant line on the top of the motor heading for the coach HVAC down through the hole in the floor and call out her readings for me to compare to the dashboard. The dashboard was reading wrong. She reports that it is quite windy when you pull the cover off the floor opening at highway speed and that a pair of safety glasses might be in order for those who wish to follow in her pioneering footsteps! She has other choice words for her father's willingness to holler out instructions to his daughter for which he has never actually tried himself while under way.... which I won't share here for fear of censor.... Mother, older daughter and son find all of this quite amusing and think we two are quite insane.... I loves being a busnut! happy coaching! buswarrior |