robfeltner

okay, I replace my stock clutch fan on my '91 vert. I didn't notice any temp change. My temp gage is pretty much right in the middle (after the car is warmed up). And that seems hot to me. Does this sound right to you guys? Anyway, I replaced the stock thermostat almost a year ago with a 180 degree unit. so now, I'm wondering if I should replace the thermostat with a 160 unit. Question is though.....where can I get one? If you know, would you email that to me?

Thanks

Rob

Rob500

The temp gauge in my car (180 tstat, 91 t2 vert) sits right in the middle of the range also. I've used an IR Pyrometer to measure the temps on the upper and lower radiator hose connections. I get 180-185 on the top hose and approx 120 on the bottom hose.

Temps were taken on a 100 degree day last July after several autox runs.

Gauges vary. The only way to know is measure.

koukifc3s

iTrader: (3)

S5 usually run at half the gauge

robfeltner

so, does anyone even make a cooler thermostat?

Thanks

Rob

theonlygreat

I don't think there would be anything to benefit from a cooler thermostat. The car is meant to operate at a certain temp, which the stock thermostat maintains. If the car is getting too hot then you should look into upgrading the radiator or the fan instead of downgrading the thermostat.

If you really want a cooler thermostat, just go to the autoparts store and look for a stant one that is the same diameter and style as the stock one. They are clearly labeled as to the temperature they operate at.

robfeltner

I replaced the clutch fan last night. No noticeable difference. Maybe I should measure the temp with something other than the car's temp gage. Do you know how I can do that? or install a simple numeric temp gage would be better, any thoughts on that?

Thanks.

Rob

Rxmfn7

iTrader: (4)

Your best bet is to install an aftermarket water temp gauge. They are fairly cheap, and much better than the stock gauge, as they actually give you temp readings, instead of just a vauge indication. FYI though, S5 ( 89-91) temp gauges normal position is right in the center. These years gauges only have 3 settings, cool, normal, and hot. There is no in between, and once the gauge starts moving toward hot, it is at a temperature that usually melts coolant seals, and requires a rebuild. If the gauge ever even starts to move higher then centered, shut the car off immediately.

theonlygreat

You could use an IR (InfraRed) Pyrometer like Rob500 mentioned. On an S5, the guage normally sits in the middle at operating temperature though, so I don't think there is anything to worry about. Is there something other than the guage that makes you think the car is too hot?

robfeltner

Actually, its just when I turn the car off, get out and walk by the front of it. It just seems to me to be hotter than hell.

Here's the thing. I love car. This is my 5th second gen car, and I intend to keep it for quite awhile. It is near perfect, less than 100 k on the clock, everything works just fine, it is a great dependable car.

With that said, I also loved my first rotary until it overheated and the motor blew. Damn plastic radiator cracked and all the coolant went everywhere....while I was driving it. I later figured that the pressure in the radiator was pretty extreme, and that might have been caused by the clutch fan.

So, I'm just cautious. I replaced the coolant and thremostat about 8 mos ago, no problems, replaced the clutch fan last night.

I just don't the car to overheat.

Thanks

Rob