what temp should it run at.... my gauge shows in the red but i can hold onto the hoses and when i shot it with my temp gun the temp wasnt over 200 degree's and my electric fan doesnt come on untill it's at a line below red leading me to believe it is wrong.... new thermostat fan switch and temp sender....

Stock thermostat is 192 degrees - the fan switch is generally around 10 degrees higher than that. 200 degrees is fine. The gauges aren't known for their reliability but you had better install a quality aftermarket gauge as the EA82T's are known to not handle overheating well at all.

 

I would also reccomend you replace EVERY cooling system hose in the vehicle. They are too old to rely on if they are original. That includes the small hoses that run to the TB, and the coolant supply and return hoses from the turbo. One weak link and you'll be looking for another engine.

 

GD

all hoses were replaced ... i should go to schucks and get a gauge ... whats the max temp i want the engine to run at?

About 210 to 215 at the highest. Around 220 you start breaking down the oil quick and engines that run that hot will generally spec out synthetic. Since it's a new engine I would be running synthetic anyway.

 

I wouldn't shop for a gauge at shucks - get a decent Autometer 3 gauge setup so you can monitor Coolant Temp, Oil Pressure, and Volts (or amps if you prefer).

 

GD

with the aftermarket gauge ive only been able to get it to 214 on the freeway doing 75mph (btw its a auto so it's revving...) is this ok if it stays under 214.... new radiator, engine, hoses, thermostat, pretty much everything

Edited September 15, 200817 yr by ()__1337_CRAYOLA__()>

I have a 180 stat in my turbo.. 2 row radiator, electric fan with dash switch, and a modified front end. I run at 192F constantly, getting on the freeway with a/c on it will touch 200 for a minute. Living in the desert got me to be a little creative when figuring out how to make this car as near desert proof as possible.. it gets hot here

 

 

 

btw.. wont the upper hose stay cooler if the stat doesnt open? whats the temp on the lower hose after driving?

Edited September 15, 200817 yr by rllywgn
a moment of clarity