What temperature should the engine run at?

[StellaLunaGardens]

I finally drove my new to me, '69 Winnebago home from three months at the mechanics.  It was a forty minute drive home. The temperature stayed at 165 degrees for a while then went up to 190 degrees, and then up to 200 degrees for a while, I got a little nervous, and then the temperature dropped back down to 165 and stayed there for the last 20 minutes of the drive.


The mechanic replaced the hoses, thermostat and coolant.


I wondering what the "normal" running temperature should be.

[Rickf1985]

"normal" would be around 180 degrees. The spike was probably due to an air pocket from changing the thermostat and not getting all the air out. But it sounds like he put in a 165 thermostat which is far too cold and will lead to condensation and associated milky oil and acid formation in the crankcase.

[LJ-TJ]

Fuel Pressure   6 to 7-1/2 Pg 14-56 Dodge Motor Home Chassis Service Manual

Oil Pressure     at Idle  8 PSI.  at  2,000 RPM 30-80 PSI.  Pg 9-59 Dodge Motor Home Chassis Service Manual

Trans Temp      150 to 200 degrees F  (175)  Pg 21-16 Dodge Motor Home Chassis Service Manual

Oil Temp              190-200 Max 215

Water Temp      177- 185 Deg (or 8 degs below Thermo Opening Temp) Pg 7-4 Dodge Motor Home Chassis Service Manual

[StellaLunaGardens]

"normal" would be around 180 degrees. The spike was probably due to an air pocket from changing the thermostat and not getting all the air out. But it sounds like he put in a 165 thermostat which is far too cold and will lead to condensation and associated milky oil and acid formation in the crankcase.

Thank you!  I'll check with him and replace it, if need be.

[StellaLunaGardens]

Fuel Pressure   6 to 7-1/2 Pg 14-56 Dodge Motor Home Chassis Service Manual

Oil Pressure     at Idle  8 PSI.  at  2,000 RPM 30-80 PSI.  Pg 9-59 Dodge Motor Home Chassis Service Manual

Trans Temp      150 to 200 degrees F  (175)  Pg 21-16 Dodge Motor Home Chassis Service Manual

Oil Temp              190-200 Max 215

Water Temp      177- 185 Deg (or 8 degs below Thermo Opening Temp) Pg 7-4 Dodge Motor Home Chassis Service Manual


Thank you!