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How hot is too hot?

Ron ORon O1984/2010 IM, B.C. Canada
Just completed my maiden voyage in the IM (1100 miles) and with the exception of the CB fuel injection the car ran extremely well. During the last leg of the trip, which was mostly freeway, I ran the car between 70 and 80 mph (ranged from 3600 to 4000 rpm). I know this is a fairly high cruising rpm, but the oil temperature stayed at 180 degrees and the cylinder head temperature stayed around 200 degrees. The air temperature was in the mid 70s. What did surprise me was how hot the upper part of the engine got. I couldn't rest my hand on the fan shroud, alternator, etc., and even the throttle linkage was too hot to leave my hand on for more than a second or two.
Is this too hot?
I did suffer some fueling problems (stalling when coming to a stop and extremely hard starting when hot), which I'll discuss in my other thread on my CB fuel injection.

1959 Intermeccanica(Convertible D)

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Ron ORon O1984/2010 IM, B.C. Canada
Just completed my maiden voyage in the IM (1100 miles) and with the exception of the CB fuel injection the car ran extremely well. During the last leg of the trip, which was mostly freeway, I ran the car between 70 and 80 mph (ranged from 3600 to 4000 rpm). I know this is a fairly high cruising rpm, but the oil temperature stayed at 180 degrees and the cylinder head temperature stayed around 200 degrees. The air temperature was in the mid 70s. What did surprise me was how hot the upper part of the engine got. I couldn't rest my hand on the fan shroud, alternator, etc., and even the throttle linkage was too hot to leave my hand on for more than a second or two.
Is this too hot?
I did suffer some fueling problems (stalling when coming to a stop and extremely hard starting when hot), which I'll discuss in my other thread on my CB fuel injection.
Terry NuckelsTerry Nuckels'04 JPS Speedster NorCal
Ron, you're used to sub-freezing temperatures. Anything over 90 degrees would probably burn your hand. ;-)
That's actually pretty cool for the oil temperature and I would question your cht. What kind of gauge are you using? What cylinder are you reading?
My head temps on #3 are usually in the 300 range. I'm using a Micro 1000 from Aircraft Spruce which is ambient temp compensated.
Jack CrosbyJack CrosbyHot Springs, AR, VS RabyTypeIV
Ron--congrats on the long run---I'm jealous! Your ol temp is great and I understand what you're saying about parts of the engine being hot to touch. I have the same deal sometimes---I'll be showing 185 Oil temp then the dipstick will be hot as hell. I always wonder if I'm really having 185 or is it more.

On your CHT---I haven't ever heard of a 200 degree CHT. Mine stays nailed at 350 and my sender is a ring that the #3 plug goes through.
Where is your sender mounted?

I just don't think that you would see a 200 degree CHT on the highway
at the speeds you were running.

God luck with your car!
oldyeleroldyeler
Thats fine for oil temps.. Your heads are actually running cooler than the norms.. I bet it has loads of power running that cool makes for a dencer fuel charge. I think ,I heard someone here once say 314 to 325 was a ideal head temp to get the most efficent fuel charge... but I can remember.. but if your that cool I'd be suspicious of the sencer, or its location?

BUT! If it proves correct,, your really doing great..and I want to know what you have done to get it like that.. :)
FM Former Member
I agree the CHT is way too low, 325 - 350 is more normal, IF you are using a ring sensor on number 3 spark plug. I have read where others have attached the sensor to head mounting bolts to allow for easier changing of spark plugs. If so, that would definitely lower the temperature reading into the range you are seeing.

Actually I've been thinking of relocating my CHT sensor OFF the spark plug. While this is the ideal location, servicing that spark plug is one mean pita with my fan shroud.
Ron ORon O1984/2010 IM, B.C. Canada
Terry, I have the same gauge. Maybe I was reading C instead of F. I'll have to check my gauge tomorrow.
I fabricated and installed my hood lift today. This weekend I hope to give it a test run.
I'll post photos soon.
Even if it does cool down the engine compartment I'll still move the fuel pressure gauge this winter.
On another note, I can't believe how many people came up to me and commented on how much they liked my car. It was almost embarrassing.
Kids, middle aged guys, and even old ladies. My buddy, who was driving a very nice Miata, was a bit put out. :)
Ron ORon O1984/2010 IM, B.C. Canada
Terry, I have the same gauge. Maybe I was reading C instead of F. I'll have to check my gauge tomorrow.
I fabricated and installed my hood lift today. This weekend I hope to give it a test run.
I'll post photos soon.
Even if it does cool down the engine compartment I'll still move the fuel pressure gauge this winter.
On another note, I can't believe how many people came up to me and commented on how much they liked my car. It was almost embarrassing.
Kids, middle aged guys, and even old ladies. My buddy, who was driving a very nice Miata, was a bit put out. :)
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