What is Normal? Temperature and Thermostat

[Santawillis]

Happy Sunday and Holidays to all!

 

Weather is finally starting to get up in temps here in Illinois (70s) and I picked up a new coolant temperature sensor (FAE 62110788115 from FCP Euro) the temps are amazingly stable, right in the middle of the gauge and sometimes even below after a bit of warming up and 15 minutes of driving (I am grounded to my cul-de-sac since the car is yet to be registered), yet the hose below the thermostat housing seems cooler than the hose on top of the thermostat housing which is a sign of the thermostat not opening. But the temperatures seem fine! I am confused, am I overheating and not noticing? Am I being incredibly OCD? Hoses are pressurized and the radiator is brand new Hi-Efficiency from BulntTech. Attached photo is on engine shutoff so pardon the lights. 

[jimk]

Hose below is cool because the radiator has cooled the coolant.  The thermostat blends in cold water from the radiator with coolant coming down the front of the engine in the big hose to maintain the thermostat setpoint for mixed coolant to the water pump/engine.  Gauge looks normal.  It may rise some in the summer.

[John76]

Sounds normal to me.

Stat is keeping the circulating coolant at 80 degrees C, which is ideal for keeping the intake manifold nice and warm, so fuel doesn't condense on a cold surface as it makes the 90 degree turn on its way from the carb to the head.

The High Efficiency radiator is doing its job...keeping a cool supply of coolant ready (if needed).

[Santawillis]

Many thanks guys as always, this community is incredible! I will keep an eye on it as temps begin to climb

[Mike Self]

FYI if you do have an 80 degree thermostat, as the weather warms you'll see the gauge needle rise a bit above 3 o'clock, probably to 2:30 or so.  I've noticed that with mine, and I do have a 3 row core radiator (but with an A/C condenser in front of it).  So that's normal too. 

 

And...if you're used to a more modern car with a full-recovery cooling system, remember that a 2002 doesn't have that, so it behooves you to check your coolant level periodically.  Just don't overfill, or as the coolant warms and expands, it will overflow and you'll lose expensive antifreeze--and possibly poison animals. 

 

mike