The Ford Barn

samsonized · 07-03-2021, 05:13 PM

i have a newly purchased 34 cabriolet that runs great what is normal operating temps for a flathead and what is max operating temps so as not to cause damage it has an aftermarket mechanical gauge that measures about 205 with the sender in the left head

flatjack9 · 07-03-2021, 10:24 PM

As long as it doesn't boil, you are OK. Mine typically runs around 185. A hot engine is a more efficient engine.

JayChicago · 07-04-2021, 12:23 PM

Would suggest checking actual temp. Bought a car once with aftermarket under-dash gauge and sweated all the way home cuz gauge was reading 220. Then found that actual temp was only 195.

You can get an infrared thermometer gun for about $20. Handy tool to have.

samsonized · 07-04-2021, 12:51 PM

good point

HD Rider · 07-04-2021, 01:48 PM

I checked my mechanical gauge for accuracy in a pot of boiling water on the stove.

Rudolph · 07-04-2021, 02:48 PM

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I have Toyota Starlet thermostats in my motor and I reckon it actually made it run cooler

07-03-2021, 05:13 PM	#1
samsonized Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 562	1936 flathead operating temp i have a newly purchased 34 cabriolet that runs great what is normal operating temps for a flathead and what is max operating temps so as not to cause damage it has an aftermarket mechanical gauge that measures about 205 with the sender in the left head

07-03-2021, 10:24 PM	#2
flatjack9 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oshkosh, Wi Posts: 4,526	Re: 1936 flathead operating temp As long as it doesn't boil, you are OK. Mine typically runs around 185. A hot engine is a more efficient engine.

07-04-2021, 12:23 PM	#3
JayChicago Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Chicago Posts: 731	Re: 1936 flathead operating temp Would suggest checking actual temp. Bought a car once with aftermarket under-dash gauge and sweated all the way home cuz gauge was reading 220. Then found that actual temp was only 195. You can get an infrared thermometer gun for about $20. Handy tool to have.

07-04-2021, 12:51 PM	#4
samsonized Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 562	Re: 1936 flathead operating temp good point

07-04-2021, 01:48 PM	#5
HD Rider Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Glendive MT Posts: 155	Re: 1936 flathead operating temp I checked my mechanical gauge for accuracy in a pot of boiling water on the stove.

07-04-2021, 02:48 PM	#6
Rudolph Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: North island Newzealand. Posts: 272	Re: 1936 flathead operating temp Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have Toyota Starlet thermostats in my motor and I reckon it actually made it run cooler