Engine operating temps

I'm under the impression that a temp range of 180-220 is normal. I'm running 210 during the summer here in Socal. My stock 74 does not have an external oil cooler. I'm thinking of putting on turbo valve covers as a cheap solution to keep it around 200 or so. Will this provide any help? I've alos heard about a way to increase the fan speed. Bottom line is a new cooler installed is around 2K and I want to find another way if possible or is running at 210 OK? Thanks Dan

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Dan S.
1974 911 Targa

You don't need any help, you don't have a problem.

Dan:

Look at previous topics over the past few weeks. This issue has come up quite a bit.

220 is not to hot at all. But a cooler is always a good idea. I have looked into a remote oil cooler kit and all the parts can be had for less than $1,000.

Regards, BB

Gaij/Rarly,
Thanks but most of what I have seen with Jack's thread and others is keeping it cool for the track. I'm just a regular driver who occasionaly drives like I should be on the track. I assume it is unusual not to have an external cooler and was mainly interested in hearing if the turbo covers actually provide any increased cooling due to the fins on them as opposed to my current covers.

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Dan S.
1974 911 Targa

You might want to take a look at CMW racing's valve covers. They are stronger and look like they will give better cooling than the stock turbo covers.



I forgot to add I believe they run $50 a cover.
[This message has been edited by mjc76 (edited 08-13-2001).]

[This message has been edited by mjc76 (edited 08-13-2001).]

Dan,

The turbo covers will give you very little added cooling capacity. People upgrade to these because they are less inclined to leak. The fins are designed to make the covers ridgid, not really to dissipate heat.

FYI ordinary '74s did not have an external cooler. The heat problems started in '75 with the introduction of thermal reactors. Later cars produce more heat because of the bigger, higher output engines and need external coolers.

Your temperatures are just about ideal. You have no problems, be thankful. Your car can sefely run up to 250 f for short periods. If you are not breaking 220, relax.


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Chuck Moreland '86 Cab - "Sparky", '77 Targa - "Sweet Pea"

[This message has been edited by Clark Griswald (edited 08-13-2001).]

220 is fine. I say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

As noted above, the Turbo covers are used to stop leaks more than lower temperature. You could try those heat sheets and a cool collar, but don't show them to any engineer friends.

An external cooler, with thermostat, oil lines, cooler, shroud and fan, can easily run you over a thousand dollars.

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Jack Olsen
My Rennlist page • My Pelican Gallery page • My Porsche Owners Gallery page

Thanks Mates!
I guess I'll roll that 2K I had set aside for the cooler into suspension upgrades which ironically also will cost about 2K.

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Dan S.
1974 911 Targa

Originally posted by JackOlsen:
220 is fine. I say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

That's right, Jack.
And Dan....if it's not broke, we'll give you all kinds of advice 'til it is!

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'81 SC Coupe (aka: "Blue Bomber")
Canada West Region PCA
The Blue Bomber's Website

DAN.....Is potential heat problem a consideration?? If you don't have confidence in your oil cooling system, that is a distraction. I'd test it out on Hy. 10, when desert heat is 110 deg. at 4000 rpm in 5th gear for 1/2 hour to get a good idea where it's at.Every turn of the card and roll of the dice keeps the gambler alive...,Ron

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RoninLB

Ronin,
I only go to Palm Desert in the winter (hey Zielke we have winter here too ya know..errr kind of) and its never been a problem. I think I might get one of those cool collars based on all the expert opinions (I did not realize how ubiquitous MIT grads are). Seriously, my 74 just does not appear to run over 210 so I'm going to leave it alone and find something else to stress over. Thanks Dan

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Dan S.
1974 911 Targa

Jack, fyi I performed an interesting test on the cool collar.You might try it if you haven't installed it yet. Put a cool collar on a plate or in a bowl and a similer sized tin can on the same type surface . Then fill them both with equal number of ice cubes. put a clock or timer on them and note the amount of time it takes the ice to melt.In the test I did it took about 1hr 15min for the ice to melt in the cool collar ,at which time the ice in the can had only melted about 40%. The cool collar had increased the thermal transfer quite dramaticaly ,although
I am not sure my wife will let me use the kitchen for testing anymore.
Jerry 78 911 SC

Jmpro,

The next time I need to melt some ice, I will be sure to get my cool collar out.

Aren't you somehow affiliated with the cool collar and have a financial interest in its sales?

Since that wasn't clear in your post, I thought I'd help out.

Nobody questions that finned aluminum can dissipate heat. It can.

The questions surrounding the device are as follows:

1) Is the heat dissipation capability of the CC sufficient to make a significant cooling capacity increase on a 911 engine

2) Is the physical contact of the CC to oil filter sufficient to provide good thermal conductivity

3) Does the heat drawn off the CC and subsequenty passed over the engine cooling fins increase the head and cylinder temperature

4) Is there adequate air movement around the oil filter in the 911 engine compartment

I have yet to see the results of well conducted test to prove/disprove the effectiveness in a 911.

A cool collar connot possibly aid in cooling any more than a set of finned valve covers.
RADIATORS cool car engines, even those of the air cooled variety.
The thermal load presented upon accelleration is orders of magnitude more than the suface area of the cool collar or valve cover fins can handle. That is why cooling systems for the track are so much more involved. Just look at the trouble Jack has gone through. That gives an idea of the kind of heat produced when driven hard.