The only thing causing me some concern is the temperature while driving in stop and go traffic (230-240). Runs about 190 degrees going down the road, which appears to be normal. I am glad that this forum exists to provide information on these unique vehicles. Thanks in advance for the information I know I will need at some point.
Electgenguy
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First.... welcome to the family. This is a great bunch of mixed nuts that you have hooked up with.
You should never have to see temps above the 235 line. The engine control system is designed to keep you below that point under all circumstances.
The cooling system will run at 195-200 when it is regulating on the thermostat. When the thermostat gets wide open, the temp will rise. The main fan will turn on to low speed when the water temp gets to 226 and then switch back off when it drops to 219. If low speed operation is inop, the fan will go to high speed at 235 and then switch to low speed at 226.
If your temp is getting above 226, you need to check the cooling fan. Since the A/C logic is parallel to the water temp logic, we use the A/C system to test the fan operation. With the engine running, the computer will turn on the cooling fan to low speed when the A/C gets up to “normal” operating pressure. We use this to test the fan operation. Low speed is quiet and moves plenty of air to keep the A/C system in limits under most conditions and moves more than enough air to keep the engine cool.... even in Phoenix. By turning on the A/C when in stop and go traffic, you wil force the fan to run all the time. This is not a problem, as it will keep your engine regulating on the thermostat.....
If low speed is not enough airflow to hold the A/C system pressure within limits, the computer will switch the fan to high speed until it comes down. We have seen a number of low speed fan failures that rely on high speed fan to keep the A/C system within limits. This results in the cooling fan cycling between off and high speed...... it plays hell with the A/C system and you will definitely notice the sound of high speed fan during the cycling.
Start the engine and turn on the A/C in the driveway. As the compressor brings the system up to pressure, the computer will turn on the main fan. You can see it running.
There are a lot of subtleties to the cooling fan control system and the cooling system. The system turns off the fan above 35mph, regardless of temp or A/C pressure. This is because there is more than enough natural airflow (given that you have an air dam in place) through the radiator and condenser above 35. Remember this...... NASCAR cars get hot when drafting and you will too. Following close behind a motor home up a hill at 45mph will get you a hot temp, for sure.....
Call if you need any help with the cooling system. I am available during “normal” Phoenix hours almost any day. 480-225-2123 (cell)
My best regards,
Mike