operating temp

[Bob Baumgarten]

looking to find the proper water temp on my 39 Plymouth pickup with new water pump and

new alum radiator my run at or near 200 is that normal ?

thanks

Bob B

[Fossil]

Sounds a bit high to me. My 30 DeSoto with new aluminum radiator is running around 150 to 160 going down the road. 

[Reg Evans]

180 to 190 would be ideal.  Your gauge could be off a little.  I think 150 to 160 is kinda low and might tend to build up sludge in an engine.

[c49er]

160 to 180 is typical.

Little higher in hot summer weather...190 max.

The lower block soft plugs and water tube might have to be removed.

This to check for plugging or rusting of tube and to also flush sludge out of the lower part of cylinder block.

Edited June 8, 2020 by c49er (see edit history)

[hwellens]

You thermostat my be bad if you have one. Without a themostat it should run about 180 in hot weather.

[Alan Cutler]

'38 Dodge RC & RD, fully open, 174º F.

Cold, 150º F to 155º F.

[Fossil]

Thanks. Guess I'm in the ballpark. 

[lostviking]

You never mentioned what temp thermostat you are running. That is about what your temp will be. Mine has a 160, I run about 160 when it's fully warmed up.