Actual engine temp

[Paul G]

I am finding with the summer heat in full swing my 72 is running very hot with the A/C on. By very hot, I mean the temp gauge in the car is going over 225 toward 250. I am starting to worry.

I took my digital laser thermometer out and took some temps of the engine while idling, A/C off. It will cool down a bit with the A/C off. The T-stat housing/water neck is reading 205, temp sending unit is reading 195, and the gauge in the car is at 220. I have Auto Meter gauges in the dash. 160 T-stat is brand new, a full bottle of Water Wetter in the radiator. And it is around 110 outside right now. Stock radiator with stock shroud and fan/clutch.

Could the dash gauge just be reading a little hotter than the actual engine temp?

[1970Moparmann]

You answered your own question.  The gauge should read where the temp sensor is.  If your engine was at 250, you would have had some serious results. 

[histoy]

Your Auto Meter gauge may not be compatible with the temp sending unit in the car.  I would check with their tech people. 

[firefighter3931]

You answered your own question.  The gauge should read where the temp sensor is.  If your engine was at 250, you would have had some serious results. 

Exactly....the guage is reading incorrect for some reason. 


Ron