What is the correct 454 MAG engine Temp

[AllTideUp]

My 2001 340DA has 454MAGs and the Temp gauge read around 171-172 when running at cruise or at idle. The temp seems stable at any speed and remains the same for longer cruises.

My question is, is that temp to high for the motor. A friend of mine has the same motors in his 410 and his read ~160-162. Do I have the wrong thermostat in these motors. Would there be any benefit to having the motor run a bit cooler?

Thanks

 

[Airboss]

Keep in mind that gauges, senders, and thermostats are not perfect. Mechanical/production/installation error can easily explain the difference between your numbers and your friends numbers. My engines run 175 in 65-75 degree water.

170s does not strike me as excessively high.

 

[Gary Hill]

Your owners manual will tell you what thermostat to use. That would be the temp that the engineers want that engine running at.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Use your gauge for "trending" only. As mentioned above, there's too many components in the system and variances within each system to get worried about 10*. If your friend has SC, that's another variable. However, 170* is by no means anywhere near a problem. You can use a IR gun on various places of your t-stat housing to get a more accurate representation - but keep in mind that you may never see what the gauge reads - meaning the gauge will likely be higher than any area you measure with a gun.

"Trending"... exactly what you're doing already. Watch the needle to see if it starts to migrate away from it's 'normal' spot. As long as it's in basically the same spot, you're good. Worry when it's not there. Another thing you can do is to feel the top of the exhaust elbows. You should be able to comfortably keep your hand on them. If you can do that, and the gauge keeps showing the same temp, you're golden.

IR guns... not a bad tool to have, but sometimes people get too engrossed in that process and start to worry over nothing... as in "I'm reading 160* at a certain spot on my port engine and reading 165* on the starboard. Something must be wrong!"

Trending and the palm of your hand are still the best tools in the toolbox.

 

[CliffA]

Trending and the palm of your hand are still the best tools in the toolbox.

+1.....can i get an AMEN!.....:grin:.........

cliff