How hot do you let your engine get?

[jzak]

Hey guys!
Now that we're in the middle of summer, I wanted to get some opinions on how hot you let your engine get before pulling over. The operating temp on my CJ5 is around 180. If I get above 200, I start to get nervous, and if I reach 220, I'm usually trying to find a place to cool her down. Am I being overly or under cautious?

Thanks!

Josh

 

[lowcountry]

200 is ok. Today's engines run 210-220 regularly. My Silverado runs 220 all day long. 220 might be pushing it for an older engine, but really, it's mostly about the oil and what temperature it can survive in.

I don't have a lot of 1st hand experience with Jeep engines - maybe some else will post up with some real world Jeep experience...

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Anything past 230* gets me concerned. I pull over at 240*
T'stats are not all the way open till 15*-20* past their rating.
195* t'stat is not fully opened till 210-215*.......
I live in the Mojave and I routinely see 210* engine temp in my CJ with the 195* t'stat.
One of the reasons a shroud is so vital.
OP-When was the last time you had the block pro-flushed and a rod-out done to the radiator?
Do you run a shroud? You really should........
LG

 

[jzak]

Thanks Guys! Especially lumpy Grits for all the details.
I've got a fan shroud. Last time the radiator was flushed was about 5 years ago. Just recently replaced the thermostat. I don't think its ever gotten a Rod-Out job done. Do you think i need it?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Yes to rod-out.
When you mix your anti-freeze. Use distilled water only. Never 'tap' or well water

 

[DHugg]

My AMC 304 runs in a very hot climate. I have a 185 thermostat and a 1-degree precision heat gage. I have seen it go as high as 188; the engine has no extra load... no A/C compressor, no air injection pump, and doesn't have heater pipes to pump through.