Water Temp

BB501 · 10-07-2008, 08:10 AM

I have the 8.1 engine in a 2002 Airstream. On my last trip I noticed the water temp (FWT) on my SCAN Guage II fluctuating between 197 and as high as 209 degrees. My dash guage (analog) was reading at normal. I did not notice any power loss or heat smell. Am I due for a radiator flush? Could it be a inaccurate SCAN Guage? Thanks.
Steve

BB501 · 10-07-2008, 08:10 AM

I have the 8.1 engine in a 2002 Airstream. On my last trip I noticed the water temp (FWT) on my SCAN Guage II fluctuating between 197 and as high as 209 degrees. My dash guage (analog) was reading at normal. I did not notice any power loss or heat smell. Am I due for a radiator flush? Could it be a inaccurate SCAN Guage? Thanks.
Steve

abarkl · 10-07-2008, 08:31 AM

I would say that's normal as the heat builds and the fans cool. My Scangauge shows the same fluctuation. I flushed and replaced my coolant and cap at 5 years.

JonBrazel · 10-07-2008, 09:51 AM

You are within normal operating temperatures, 209 is a wee bit high but your probably only seeing that before the fans kick on and bring it back down.

DonavonP · 10-07-2008, 10:19 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by BB501:
I have the 8.1 engine in a 2002 Airstream. On my last trip I noticed the water temp (FWT) on my SCAN Guage II fluctuating between 197 and as high as 209 degrees. My dash guage (analog) was reading at normal. I did not notice any power loss or heat smell. Am I due for a radiator flush? Could it be a inaccurate SCAN Guage? Thanks.
Steve </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Your engine coolant temp gauge will sit on normal and not move through a range of 188 to 224 degrees. OEMTECH has a good picture of this here.

The vendor supplied engine temp gauge is an idiot light with a needle. I put lipstick on mine - didn't help.