oil pressure, water temp and volts.

[corelokt]

Now that I've got gauges, I see my oil pressure at 50 when it's cold, thirty five warm and going down the road, and 15-20 at idle. My cold weather water temp is 140, Gen one voltage is always about 2 volts higher than gen 2. Being sixteen to 14 generally. Do these seem normal?

 

[mangus580]

Your water temp is WAY too low.

Cover up your radiator with something....

 

[corelokt]

Will do, thanks.

 

[84cucv1ton]

really? i was thought a lower temp was good for the motor

 

[mangus580]

no... there is a reason engines have thermostats.

If your temp is too low, you wont burn the fuel efficiently.

 

[corelokt]

Also, I know, at least in my tractor, to low lets humidity accumulate in the engine oil, and water ends up mixed with the oil. Just didn't know what temps were ok, what were bad.
Does that oil pressure seem alright? Is there a high flow oil pump for these?

 

[randyscycle]

no... there is a reason engines have thermostats.

If your temp is too low, you wont burn the fuel efficiently.

Another reason for maintianing a steady and proper temp is so that the lubricating oil can do its job. When an engine never gets up to full temperature, the fuel never completely burns, and can wash down the cylinder walls and dilute the oil. Gasoline engines have more of a problem with this than diesel, but its still a factor.

I'd look for 180-195F engine temp fully warmed up. Oil pressure sounds just fine.

 

[HeadWizard]

Your water temp is WAY too low.

Cover up your radiator with something....

AGREED, unless the gauge isn't reading correctly? I've had that happen on new installs. Wrong sender matched to the guage?

 

[84cucv1ton]

thanks good to know

 

[corelokt]

They both came together, but are harborfreight stuff... However, all said, the gauges give the appearance of decent quality.

 

[mangus580]

You might also want to check your thermostat. Its common for someone to stuff the wrong one in (a most 'cheap' parts places sell the wrong one). When the wrong one is used, the water pump will hold the stat open, and it never closes.

 

[corelokt]

Thanks again, will do. Might as well swap it no matter, I want this to be right and to last.

 

[mangus580]

The proper stat runs about $25ish