What temperatures do modern engines run?

[Camu Mahubah]

I have recently entered into a debate with coworkers. I say GM engines run 210 degrees at operating temperature. Coworker says no they run at 190 degrees. who is correct?
Also do most modern automotive engines run at what temperature?

 

[brianl703]

Both my 1996 Ford Contour and my 2006 Saab 93 operate at about 188F on the highway, data obtained with a ScanGauge.

The Ford Contour's thermostat is 180F, I have no idea what the Saab's thermostat is.

Obviously in stop-and-go traffic the temperature will rise--to about 210F in both cars and then the cooling fan comes on and stays on until the temp drops to about 190-195F.

 

[Chris142]

Depends on the Stat temp and the condition of the cooling system. In a perfect world a car with a 195* Stat will run 195*.

Add some blockage in the rad and it could easily run 210 or more.

The Gm cooling fans generally come on @ 225*. Also the stat controls the lowest engine temp.

So I'd say that most engines run between 195* and 230* depending on circumstances.

 

[BillionPa]

my thermo is set at 203F (95C)

all the chevy thermostats i have seen are either 160F (old ones) or 180F

 

[toocrazy2yoo]

My stinkin little Hyundai Accent, a 2005, runs a 180-degree thermostat for some reason. Presumably, the temps are engineered with peak efficiency in mind, but seeing how small and thin the radiator is on this thing, and the small capacity (6.6 quarts), I wonder sometimes if it isn't to keep pressures down in the system. Ma's 1990 Caddy routinely runs 210 degrees (if the driver info computer is to be believed). Maybe the new, but small engines are efficient enough with the EC devices of today that higher temps aren't necessary?

This one mystifies me, and the service manual offers no theory behind the engineering of this detail.

 

[Kestas]

It depends on why you're asking. The temp gauge only measures temperature at one point of the engine. Temperature varies all over the place in an engine.

 

[y_p_w]

Lingenfelter Engineering sells 160 deg F thermostats for some GM applications. I also hear they can seriously increase unburned fuel emissions since the exhaust might not be at an ideal temperature for catalytic converter efficiency.

http://www.lingenfelter.com/store/ln1001.html

 

[tom slick]

I think it depends on where you measure it. I have seen GM cars that indicate 210 on the dash when at operating temp.