Temp range for digital temp gauge

[DME]

Hi folks

I have a cool digital temp/coolant level gauge coming from Australia, and I'll post install/impressions once in hand in installed. The initial question is: what temperature should I set for the alarm that comes with it? The sensor is block-mounted.

From the manufacturer:

The gauge receives continuous engine temperature measurements from a digital temperature sensors mounted directly on the engine block.

The digital temperature sensor can measure temperatures from -55°C to +125°C (-67°F to +257°F). The gauge displays temperatures in one degree increments.

The gauge checks the measured temperature against two temperature levels (SAFE and MAXIMUM) which are set separately for the engine.

• SAFE temperature. An engine temperature at or below SAFE is normal operation.
• MAXIMUM temperature. An engine temperature at or above the MAXIMUM will flash a RED display and trigger the audible alarm. The alarm will also be triggered If the gauge cannot receive a temperature reading from the sensor. The audible alarm can be cancelled by pressing either the Menu or Settings button or can be turned off using the gauge menu/settings.

Thanks!

Dave
'93 240 'Sonja'

 

[Khrrck]

Which thermostat do you have installed in your car? That'll affect the "normal operation" temperature.

 

[DME]

Which thermostat do you have installed in your car? That'll affect the "normal operation" temperature.

I have no idea. It was a one-owner car before me and I got it last fall. Regardless, there should be an upper limit to what is "safe", no?

 

[PCH]

110C (230F) is overheating.

 

[DME]

110C (230F) is overheating.

Thanks. So maybe 215 for the warning?

 

[Khrrck]

Thanks. So maybe 215 for the warning?

According to this:

240 - Need Help Choosing a Thermostat

They are sold in degrees of 71, 82, 87 and 92. I guess when the engine coolant temperatures reach one of those degrees the thermostat opens up and allows the coolest to flow correct? So which one should I get for my 240 B230ft? I guess 71 would be the best since I live in the hot south and it...

turbobricks.com

87c appears to be "standard" thermostat for turbo cars. 92c is option for non turbo cars which may be more fuel efficient.

87c thermostat only starts to open at 87c and is likely only fully open at around 97c.

If temperature keeps rising past 97c I would be worried since the thermostat can't open any further. So personally I'd set the overheat warning at ~100C and "normal" temp a few degrees cooler.

 

[rb92673]

I don't know anything about your setup. My engine is basically stock except for a t3/t4 turbo running around 12-14 PSI. It is track only and gets endurance raced. I have a 82c ish thermostat. I log my temps on track and it stays between 180-185 when I am moving unless I have a cooling system failure. It goes up to ~200F when idling before the electric fan turns on.

I have a warning light at 215F that went off last year when my radiator developed a leak. It allowed me to get off track before I did any major damage.

I would say a 215F warning worked for me.