coolant temp returning to engine?

[steve g]

Can anyone tell me what's an ideal coolant temp after passing through the radiator and returning to the engine? I'm still having heating issues. Car will run at 170 at highway speeds but climbs to 215 or higher at stop and go driving even during cooler weather. I've got an aluminum radiator with black max extreme 3300 cfm puller fan and flow cooler water pump. I've also got an underdrive crank pulley, so I'm wondering if that is keeping the water pump from flowing enough at idle. Timing is right. I'm using a 50/50 mixture with water wetter. I've tried different thermostats and even now using a restrictor plate.

So it seems that I'm either not getting good coolant flow through the engine or the coolant isn't getting cooled enough before returning to the engine.

[Vegas69]

What temp is your fan coming on? Is it fully shrouded? I would guess 30 degrees minimum from your T stat housing to the passenger side of your radiator. That seems to be about what mine is but it's been a little while since I used my infrared gun. Since you are in Florida I would go to a great water to coolant ratio. Say 70/30 etc. Just make sure you are protected down to a low enough temp. I've actually got mine cooling to good and will probably need to jump up to a 195 stat for winter.

[steve g]

To try and get ahead of the heat I've been switching it on manually as soon as I start the car. It is shrouded. I'll check with my infrared gun and see what the temp is going in.

[Chad-1stGen]

Idle/stop and go over heating usually points to airflow problems if it cools fine at highway speeds.

If you really think it's a coolant flow issue then reving the car in neutral for a minute or two should eliminate the problem. If it doesn't cool down then you know it's an airflow problem.

[Randy67]

FYI, here is what Stewart (water pump co) says about pulleys:
http://www.stewartcomponents.com/tec...ech_Tips_1.htm

I would check the pulley issue after you have checked the other suggestions.

[steve g]

Chad- I'll give that a try and see what happens.

Randy - Thanks for the link. Very helpful suggestions from Stewart.

[slowcamaro]

Don't have the fan wired up backwards do you? 215 is getting pretty darn hot at idle. As noted the the underdrive pulley probably isn't doing much for you.

[CarlC]

Flow is king when it comes to cooling systems. Underdrive pulleys don't help. The amount of engine power gained is the tradeoff for a less effective accessory system(s).

[steve g]

Fan works correctly and will hold a piece of paper against the grill. Read some good suggestions on Stewart's website. Underdrive pulley is definitely going to go.