3 replies to this topic

[fotostars]

Hey guys (and gals), I want to get a good water temp gauge and a warning light.
Recommendations? Looks like electrical ones are hard to find full sweep or cost a fortune.
Therefore, thinking of getting a "basic" gauge but add a warning light.
The question is then, how hot is too hot? What do you set your warning light at?

Thanks!

[Johnny D]

IMO, the temp your looking for is 195~205. 220 isn't good, 240 you better stop before Kaboom.
I have a 99 and my fan for the rad comes on at 215. I could wire your light to that.
I have a AutoMeter and come with a light, but was thinking of a digital LED.
Make sure it catches your attention, and it comes on when you really want it to so you'll not ignore it.
Dave W here sells some at Advanced, and you can find them online, etc.

You can also do some searches here (up top on right) for overheating, temp gauge, and learn some things.
J~

[Ron Alan]

Is the 99 different? I thought the stock fans kick on around 208?

[Tom Sager]

Optimal temperature for longevity is probably much less than 195+. The other question is at what temp does a '97 make the best power? If it behaves like a '99 then you might want to run it at 195ish but if it behaves like a '94/'95 I think you will want to run much cooler. Those cars like to be cooler IMO, around 165 or even less. Also I would set the warning light just above your typical operating temp because if something goes wrong it doesn't take long for the temp to go from OK to oh shyt.