Wookie316
Well-Known Member
I have a 400 bored and stroked to 512. I have a 3 core Aluminum rad with dual 10” pushers and a 18” puller, so lots of air flow to help cool. Perhaps this is a non-issue, but being I have a few $’s in this engine I don’t want to burn it up. I have been concerned because the heat gauge is much higher than any other dodge I have ever owned. So not wanting to trust a 42 year old gauge I have been checking with my heat gun different parts of the engine and the rad to see the temp it shows. Here are my findings.
Rad, top tank 80-90, core 180-190, top hose 185-195, bottom hose 160-170, Aluminum heads 170-175. Those numbers all seem good and I am not really worried, but the water pump housing and thermostat area range anywhere from the 220-240 range! Is that normal? I have changed the thermostat as I did think it was sticking. The new stat registers the same and it is actually a hotter stat I have in the car now. I guess my worry is that these tests have been done after 15-20 minute drives, not working the car hard and relatively cool days. Yesterday was the warmest day thus far and it was still only mid 20’s Celsius. I am worried with this heat at the water pump housing already, what’s it going to be like on an extended drive or on a real hot day? Perhaps this is normal though? I have never done extensive heat testing before, but I am really looking for opinions, suggestions and experiences on what’s too much heat? Thx in advance for your help. Much appreciated.
Rad, top tank 80-90, core 180-190, top hose 185-195, bottom hose 160-170, Aluminum heads 170-175. Those numbers all seem good and I am not really worried, but the water pump housing and thermostat area range anywhere from the 220-240 range! Is that normal? I have changed the thermostat as I did think it was sticking. The new stat registers the same and it is actually a hotter stat I have in the car now. I guess my worry is that these tests have been done after 15-20 minute drives, not working the car hard and relatively cool days. Yesterday was the warmest day thus far and it was still only mid 20’s Celsius. I am worried with this heat at the water pump housing already, what’s it going to be like on an extended drive or on a real hot day? Perhaps this is normal though? I have never done extensive heat testing before, but I am really looking for opinions, suggestions and experiences on what’s too much heat? Thx in advance for your help. Much appreciated.