Got the pick up on the road but haven't got the cash currently to fit temp gauge. 1098 engine.
Having run around in it a bit and checking fluid levels I find that after a 10-15min drive I can get out of the car unscrew the rad cap (don't do this at home ) and put my finger in the water for a count of 2 secs.
Going to pinch the meat thermometer and get a better reading but does this sound about right?
Depends entirely on your pain threshold........... The engine will be at the temperature set by by the thermostat - whatever setting it has. If it's stuck open (or missing) the engine will run very cool indeed - best indication is that the heater output will be hopeless........
It doesn't really tell you much because if the thermostat is working properly it only lets enough hot water through to the radiator to maintain the engine at the correct temperature. In very cold conditions with the heater running it might not open at all.
Alex Holden - http://www.alexholden.net/
If it doesn't work, you're not hitting it with a big enough hammer.
Try it for 30 mins driving around town, not on open roads.
Don't stick your fingers in the water, just onto the header tank.
15 mins isn't enough to get everything up to temperature in this weather.
What is the heater output like?
"Once you break something you will see how it was put together"
Never heard of a 98 degree stat! Highest I know of is 92.
thats probably what it was then.. its been a long build.
For now I just wanted to be happy that it wasn't going to overheat on its current short runs.intend to put a gauge in before the weather warms to much.
Provided the rad is in good condition and the block is not full of sludge you should not have a problem with overheating, especially this time of year. If the car is overheating then you will feel the extra heat from the heater
) and put my finger in the water for a count of 2 secs.
