Fordmad!

What should be the normal engine temp be for a xr3i efi? Mine warms up quick even when really cold. Heaters are very good, powerfull and hot!

Just had a quick drive (not t&t atm) after i let it warm up for 5 mins and noticed at 45ish the temp was at around halfway or just abit lower if i go to 55ish.

Is this normal? It seems high to me, just worried when summer comes and im sitting in traffic as at ford fair 2 years ago it was almost overheating

Since then its had a new thermostat, radiator, water pump and coolant flush.

Also alot of clear/white smoke comes out (i no weather is cold) but saying that its been off the road over a year so probably just needs a drive!

What do people think?

James @ M Developments.

iTrader: (2)

You can't really go by the gauge mate as they are so inaccurate and there are a few different versions of the gauge sender available which change how the gauge reads.

You really need to measure the temps more accurately

The whole cooling system is designed to get the car warmed up and into its optimum running temperature as fast as possible,

Fordmad!

I didnt think there were any problems as the car runs really well, no issuse atm!

Just thought id ask. Is it worth putting another temp gauge in then too keep an eye on it?

Rogeyboy

iTrader: (2)

As James says m8, ive had loads of diff gauges and sender combos and they all read slightly diff in Mk4 escorts... I think theres something todo with colour coding them, the gauge and the sensor have colour bands or stickers on iirc?
But yes a proper accurate temp gauge would be far better.

That said 1/2 up the gauge at normal driving speeds isn't a concern!

Fordmad!

Thats okay then, will look at putting one in!

May even put the fan on a manual override switch just in case!

Fordmad!

Went out yesterday and when driving around normally b roads and bypass temp was around the R. Then when standing in traffic it rises to around the N and seems to get and smell hot but then when on the move again it drops!

Is this okay just worried about overheating!

Mr C

iTrader: (2)

Oil temps should be 85- 130degrees, water (depending on thermostat used) 82-110d anything above that and there is risk of damage to the engine. Remember that oil cools the engine and water cools the oil, and air cools the water. Without using an accurate gauge with numbers on then you are just looking at a piece of plastic moving up and down a line on some other plastic.
Once you know the engine fluids are in range you can use your dash gauge as just that- a gauge. Stop referring to the N and O as hot or cold as you can move the needle on an overheating engine so it appear NORMAL!

Fordmad!

Well i will get some gauges then soon to keep an eye on things!