My first run out - Temp issue....
 

Hi All,
I took the car out today for the first time after purchasing. Ive read that the normal operating temp should be around 210, my gauge was reading 250! I do live in Australia and the temp is around 21c at the moment. This was driving on country roads with no stopping or starting. I have a 1968 car with a later 2.7 engine. I have the 5 fin fan and no oil cooler in the arches so would that temp be about right bearing that in mind? Is it safe to drive at those sort of temps? If not what would I need to do to rectify the problem?

Sorry no- never heard of one of those, I read in a few other threads that some cars hover around that when driven hard.. I'm wondering if its to do with the oil pressure - my gauge reads to the max when the ignition is on and goes to the bottom when off - it doesnt budge whilst driving, just stays at the top!
Does anyone have a wiring diagram for the back of the oil pressure gauge?

Steve,

Can you swap gauges with another from the same M/Y and P/N?

I suspect the sender or a wiring issue (ground).

And, oil temp gauges are not supposed to peg when you turn the ingnition on.

21C=71F is not very hot.

If you are running a 250F temp, here are some thougths.

For prolonged engine life, your temp should run 180-210F.

A front oil cooler would help tremendously, and a fan equipped with the proper sensor, even more.

Your M/Y was available with a "trombone" front oil cooler which helped a bit.

Also a 28 row oil cooler was optional on the later models.

Cheers,

Gerry

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1311383573.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1311383418.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1311383438.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1311383463.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1311383484.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1311383511.jpg

Thanks Gary!
OK - So, obviously Im new to all this. the first gauge on the left is for fuel level and oil level yes? When I rev the engine the fuel level goes up and down - when i disconnect the fuel pressure wire from the sender located near the fan the fuel level drops to zero, the fuel pressure level stays at the top mark!. Are my oil pressure and oil level gauges wired up the wrong way? No isues with the oil temp - that just shows smoking hot!

I'm confused..........

Your oil level gauge will go up/down as you increase RPM's.

Your fuel level gauge should, with the exception of fuel consumption, car angle, should not deviate.

Please re-state your concerns.

Gerry

Apologies, I meant the oil level gauge goes up and down when I rev the engine. The oil pressure gauge just stays right at the very top as soon as I switch the ignition on and stays in that position whilst driving.
When i remove the wire from what I believe is the oil pressure sender located in the engine bay next to the fan, the oil level gauge drops to zero and the oil pressure gauge doesnt move - I though this sender controlled the oil pressure not the oil level gauge?
Sorry what is popo?

180 is a normal temp, maybe a little under on less hot days. Over 250 prolonged could pull head-studs (from what I've read). 210 is what you get after running hard for a while, and nothing to be concerned about.

I lowered my operating temperatures over 30 degrees by getting my ignition timing right, which included having to re-index the distributor in my case. Stupid shop over charged me for doing dangerously poor work, car ran much worse after being in their hands.

I used to run at 210, and would peak to 250 on a very hot day after running hard for a while.

After getting the ignition timing right, I run at 170-180 and can get it to 210 if I work it hard for extended periods.

Oh yea, I have the 2.7 engine, 5 blade fan, trombone front oil cooler, and original thermal reactors still on. Not that I'm proud of that, just saying look at your ignition timing before spending a lot of money.

Circuit
 

Steve,

I don't have a circuit diagram for your model year, but here's one for the '84.
Perhaps the color codes are the same.

You might check the color code(s) on the back of the gauges.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1311392133.jpg

My suspicion is that someone has been playing "fingerpoken" with the electrical
as there is no circuit relationship (with the exception of grounds) between your oil level and pressure gauges.

Also, here's a link.

Manuals