I replaced my stock guages,now im curious to what are normal operating temps for the coolant? also what temps should i start to worry?

im in vegas so its allready 100 outside lol

 

i see 195 with a/c off, or up to about 220 with ac on and at 80 mph, i dropped down to 70mph, and my temp dropped to 203, and stay'd there til home. i would worry at ~240 unless you don't have a reason for it to be high, like idling with no a/c. it's a good 100* here 30 miles from the shore.

 

just wondering cause i got up to 208 going uphill on the freeway when it was 105 outside

guess im ok

 

That's not bad for Vegas really. The factory thermostat doesn't fully open until 203F/95C anyway. I think you need to start being concerned when you hit 220F/108C. I say that because both FD and the Rx-8 kick their electric fans up to max speed at this temperature.

 

If you're seeing 220+, then I would be worried. I guess the temp your seeing is dependent on where your sending unit is mounted, though.

I have mine mounted on the back of the water pump housing, I drilled and tapped one of the blanks there so it is mounted right near the thermostat. With a new MAZDA thermostat, new water pump and new radiator, it NEVER goes above 195F. Whether the A/C is on or not, 95F outside, sitting still or idling in traffic or beating on it the temp never goes up. If yours is running 220F or above, something is wrong. I would suspect your fan clutch/shroud if present. Also, the small condenser fan, if present, does make a small contribution to cooling when sitting still.

The stock plastic undertray does make a difference in temps, it runs much cooler with it on.

Vince

 

mine is located in the rear iron where the stock one was located. so thats actual inside engine temps

 

you also live in VA, nice weather. i'm not worried about 220, as i am using the rtek to monitor the ECT and cooling is not a problem. it was just the rpm at 80 and the high heat of alabama.

 

for cruising...

200-220 is fine, in fact hotter might be better for mileage

230F+ is danger!

for max power, temps need to be in the 180-190 range