2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

Is it possible to make your engine TOO cold?

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Old Mar 15, 2004 | 04:42 PM
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Is it possible to make your engine TOO cold?

There's a lot of products on the market to cool down an engine dramatically. Is it possible to cool a rotary down TOO much?
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Old Mar 15, 2004 | 04:47 PM
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yeah.. thats why you have a thermostat... it keeps you engine in its operating temp.
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Old Mar 15, 2004 | 05:11 PM
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If you overcool the car the thermostat will close...

Not only does this increase fuel consumption, foul spark plugs and foul the O2 sensor, but it may cause a "heat spike" should you start moving under high load. The engine will heat up in the lag time it takes the thermostat to come open.

Though that's for if you overcool it while idling... I'd assume it's about the same though.
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Old Mar 15, 2004 | 06:39 PM
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Re: Is it possible to make your engine TOO cold?

Originally posted by DerangedHermit
There's a lot of products on the market to cool down an engine dramatically.
No, all those components are to increase the cooling system's capacity. They should only cool it down if it was running too hot in the first place. A highly modified 600hp 13BT should run at the same temperature as a stock 150hp NA. The difference is in the amount of waste heat that needs to be removed, not the temperature. The thermostat is there to regulate the coolant's flow so that heat removal matches heat production.
Is it possible to cool a rotary down TOO much?
Absolutely. Any engine (piston or rotary) runs at an optimal temp. Too cool and combustion is not as efficient, plus lubricants don’t protect as well. Also, EFI enriches the mixtures while the engine's cold (just like a carb's choke) so running too cool will result in overly rich mixtures, increasing fuel consumption, emissions and engine wear, and dropping power.

Last edited by NZConvertible; Mar 15, 2004 at 06:42 PM.
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Old Mar 15, 2004 | 07:10 PM
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Hmmmm, my question was a bit off base. I see what you're saying tho. Thanks .
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Old Mar 15, 2004 | 07:15 PM
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How cool is too cool on the temp gauge, mine only goes up about 1/4 of the way.
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Old Mar 15, 2004 | 07:30 PM
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For me about 1/3, 1/2 w/ the a/c on........1/4 seems a little low, but not really out of the ordinary.
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Old Mar 15, 2004 | 07:34 PM
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I have a 1990 GXL and it hovers right above half..
Do i have anything to worry about?
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Old Mar 15, 2004 | 10:03 PM
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No. S5's are about 1/2 up the gauge. I think S4's are usually around 1/3.
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Old Mar 15, 2004 | 10:06 PM
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Theres always those guys that drill into the cam covers to install nitrous, lol, but I don't think any rotary guys have cams to drill into, or are that dumb, lol
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Old Mar 15, 2004 | 10:37 PM
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Originally posted by beefhole
No. S5's are about 1/2 up the gauge. I think S4's are usually around 1/3.
Thats where my s4 sits.
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