Just like the title says. I don't like the idea of building up carbon inside my rebuild.. is 1/4 temp normal on an S4 N/A? While driving it's even gone down to like 1/8th. I'm wondering if my fan clutch might be constantly engaged.

Another thought just hit me... I haven't adjusted the timing yet because I haven't gotten the idle down yet. Would slightly misadjusted timing affect my temps a lot?

thanks all

 

On a 86/87 the first quarter/ first eighth is normal. Later cars are in the mid range.

 

First thing: The S4 temp gauge normally runs "around" 1/4 way up on the scale. I say "around" because it is not very accurate. Under hard running conditions you can see 1/2 and under very light coasting it is very common to see 1/8.

Yes, having the timing off will effect temps. I belive advanced timing will cause the engine to run warmer. Not sure if you'd notice a difference on the gauge though just by adjusting the timing.

 

Mine barely ever goes over 1/8

-Joe

 

Hailers - the 88 is different from the 86/87 in terms of temps? Or was that a typo? The car I'm talking about is an 88 but the whole engine and everything was assembled from misc S4 parts.

Which sensor provides the signal for the temp guage?

 

Mid-adjusted timing can cause the engine to run hot (learned this one from experience). Not critically hot, but hotter than normal.

My 88 SE (S4 NA) runs about 1/4 under normal highway cruising with the A/C off, 1/2 with the A/C on or under hard driving. Beyond 1/2 and I have the heater control on full hot and max air. Is it something to worry about? I'm not sure. I don't have a digital gauge to check the temperature, so I run it safe.

I wouldn't worry about it too much. You might want to confirm that your thermostat is working properly and not stuck open.

-=Russ=-