Operating Temp of OIL and WATER?

[danielO]

hi, choosing the gauges for my car. Was wondering whats the normal operating temp for the oil and water temps.

thanks

 

[Whisky_Tango]

Re: Operating Temp of OIL and WATER?

On normal street driving conditions, the water and oil temps are almost similar, +/- 10degC off each other.
Normal operating oil temp is in the region of 85degC to 100degC (This is engine cooling design dependent!!, different engine different temps)
Water temp, the lower the better so as to effectively cool the engine. Water temp above 100degC is Steam!!

On track, oil temp can shoot up even higher and usually its around 110degC to 120degC. Turbo charged or high compression engines will be hotter and can reach temp of 140degC to 150degC. So aftermarket water and oil thermostat can replace the stock for earlier water/oil valve opening for circulation.

Water temp on track will be around 100degC which is lower than the oil temp because of high speed ram air to cool the radiator. If water temp increases above 100degC on track, either there's not enough water, radiator fins are blocked by leaves/dirt, and lastly could be the water pump has lost its efficiency. This is applies to the oil system as the system is similar.

Cheers!