Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications General Mods Questions about underhood temp

For those of you who have working hood scoops, What does your temp gauge read? Can an engine run too cool?

The hood vents and adding/aiding to under hood venting is to stop heatsoak of the air.

It may help engine cooling on extremely hot days, but it's main purpose is to stop heatsoak and give cooler intake air charge temps.

To answer you second question.
Yes an engine (engine temps / not intake charge temps) can run too cool for optimum efficiency & performance.
It would be pretty hard to do such in hot weather, but fairly easy to do so in cold weather.

Yes, and engine can run too cool. Engines are designed to run at a certain temp, allowing for an expansion of pistons, rings, and such. Running an engine for extended periods at a significantly cooler temperature than the design specs will cause rapid cylinder wear. Back in high school, I owned an 87 Escort GT. Fun little car, problem was that the thermostat was bad and so the engine never warmed up. This was before I knew anything about cars, and I thought it would be an expensive fix. I drove it that way for a couple years. Eventually, the cylinders were so worn that the engine would not fire using the starter. The starter did not turn the engine fast enough to prevent the leaky cylinders from losing all their compression before they hit top dead center. I could get it started if I push started it, thus turning the engine over faster than the starter would. This way the cylinders did not have time to lose compression before they hit TDC. By that point, I could only get it to hold 60 MPH max.... lol

it should definately help ya out

My temp needle is now not even reaching the N. Is that going to be a problem? Can I get a different thermastat, other than stock?

Without an actual temperature reading, the whole N O R M A L range is pretty useless and can't be used to gauge whether you are running slightly hot or cold. It basically tells you when you are waaay over or under

-Lance

check your temp sending unit. mine was bad and the reading on the dash was always low, when in fact my engine was running normal. might not be your problem, but it's a lot easier to replace than the thermostat. i got mine at an advance auto parts for about $17. it looks like a spark plug and threads into the area located directly below the air intake resonator. you'll see a connector going into it with two wires. you should also check the wires to make sure they're not damaged. good luck!

let me know if you need anymore help.