I drive my 68 dart 270 over a mountain to get to work. It gets a little hot. The temp gage goes about 3/4 the way to max sometimes but never higher. The water pump and thermostat are new. The stock radiator and fan look pretty ancient so I ordered a new flexilite fan and a higher performance radiator but its backordered for at least 3 weeks. I want to know if it will be ok to drive for those 3 weeks or should I park it just in case.
almost overheating
- Thread starter 68dart225
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daredevil
Well-Known Member
Shouldnt be a problem if its not loosing coolant from boiling. A gauge with actual temperature would help us give a better answer. I wouldnt worry about anything under 220 with a pressure cap and antifreeze.
Not to worry, I would say normal operating range.
69swinger340391
Well-Known Member
An actual temperature number would be better. On my 69 Dart, when the gauge hits 3/4, needle covering the "P" on the face of the gauge, the actual temperaure is205 - 210, so I would not worry, but not all gauges are calibrated the same.
Cover the radiator with cardboard while IDLING and put a heat sensor gun on the upper hose near the thermostat to get an idea of the actual temperature.
My normal range is between the "T" and "E" on the gauge, thats equal to 190 - 195 degrees. The 10 - 15 degree temp rise moves the needle quickly across the face of the gauge. I was concerned until I found the actual temperatures.
Cover the radiator with cardboard while IDLING and put a heat sensor gun on the upper hose near the thermostat to get an idea of the actual temperature.
My normal range is between the "T" and "E" on the gauge, thats equal to 190 - 195 degrees. The 10 - 15 degree temp rise moves the needle quickly across the face of the gauge. I was concerned until I found the actual temperatures.
goldfish65
Well-Known Member
x2 your car's temp guage is 40+ years old, you can't trust it's accuracy. Re: flex fans, a lot of guys here say they're crap, you might save your money for something you really need....
64physhy
Well-Known Member
3/4 is about the upper end of normal operating temp on the old gages. If it's not going above that, I wouldn't worry. Just keep an eye on it. Might want to check your timing, too. If it's advanced too much, it will cause it to run warmer. And whatever the stock fan is that you are swapping for a flex fan is probably better than the flex fan, you might want to cancel that order. I run a flex fan in my Duster only because there isn't enough clearance between the pump and radiator to run a vicious clutch fan.
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