Community Forums

fatmanobx · 12-09-2008, 12:41 PM

I have a 8.1 Chev. How hot can the coolant get before damage is done to the motor? Thanks.

fatmanobx · 12-09-2008, 12:41 PM

I have a 8.1 Chev. How hot can the coolant get before damage is done to the motor? Thanks.

Tom N · 12-09-2008, 05:52 PM

The computer will shut down the engine before overheating causes engine damage.

Your coolant temperature should not exceed your 195 degree thermostat by more than a few degrees if you cooling system is operating correctly.

-Tom

DAN L · 12-09-2008, 10:34 PM

fatmanobx:
i could not tell what the coolant temp was in my 8.1 from the dash gauge readout. i could not find a good place to shoot it with an ir temp gauge.
i bought a scangauge 2 from mileage pros primarily for the allison temp readout. my ally is a 5 speed. it runs 137-142 deg with dexron 3. i recently installed amsoil sys torque drive fluid and am anxious to see if the trans runs cooler. i digress...
the scangauge also has a coolant temp readout as well as about 18 other parameters.
my coolant temp runs from 197-202 deg.
wh and brazels say that is normal, and not to mess with the thermostat.

fatmanobx · 12-10-2008, 12:56 AM

I also have the Scangauge II and it reads around 210 unless I set parked with the motor running and then it will continue to rise and once got up to 245. At the same time the gauge on the dash showed still in the normal range. I still either have a thermostat sticking partly open or a bad cluch fan.

Carvin Marvin · 12-10-2008, 02:22 AM

My Scangauge indicates 205 then the fan kicks in. I want to set it up for tranny temp. But I am so electronicaly challenged I haven't yet attempted to do that. I have a 2002 w-22. What must I do to set it up? Thanks I need all of the help I can get. Marv

Max Hubrich · 12-10-2008, 04:12 AM

Hi Marvin--

When I got mine I called Scan Gauge and the head guy-- don't remeber his name now-- walked me through the tranny temperature setup. It works great. I got it about 6 months ago. I asked him how he figured out how to put in all those settigs to get it to work and he just laughed and said "It took a long time trying"

Call Scan Gauge at:

888-433-5664

or

480-433-5664

I think "Omey" could walk you through the set up also----

Good luck,

Tom N · 12-10-2008, 04:21 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by fatmanobx:
I also have the Scangauge II and it reads around 210 unless I set parked with the motor running and then it will continue to rise and once got up to 245. At the same time the gauge on the dash showed still in the normal range. I still either have a thermostat sticking partly open or a bad cluch fan. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Other possibilities could be a dirty radiator or a poor grill design that restricts air flow.

BTW, Workhorse does not recommend extended idling with the 8.1.

"Idling for extended periods and/or low-speed operation." is one factor that creates a severe operating condition and we have enough of those in a motorhome application.

-Tom

Fred and Bonnie · 12-10-2008, 07:56 AM

I guess it really depends on the terrain you are traversing. When climbing hills I routinely see temps in the 212º range, which rapidly drops back to around 196º when we level out.

Fred

blacktie.shooter · 12-10-2008, 04:47 PM

<UL TYPE=SQUARE><LI>Make sure your temp gauge is accurate. My mech checked mine with a thermometer, it reads high.<LI>For a coach carrying these weights and pulling these loads, I was concerned about heat, in both the engine and tranny, which I was getting when pulling a grade I was familiar with, and could use for comparison.<LI>Changed both to Mobil 1 full synthetic - problem solved.<LI>Have now changed all of my vehicle engines to M1. Yes, more expensive, but have you checked into the cost of a new transmission lately?[/list]

Full-Timers · 12-10-2008, 05:29 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Tom N:
BTW, Workhorse does not recommend extended idling with the 8.1.
-Tom </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Why?

fatmanobx · 12-10-2008, 05:38 PM

Thanks to all that replyed. Ron

Tom N · 12-10-2008, 05:56 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Full-Timers:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Tom N:
BTW, Workhorse does not recommend extended idling with the 8.1.
-Tom </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Why? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Quoting the Workhorse Gas Manual, "Idling for extended periods and/or low-speed operation." is one factor that creates a severe operating condition and we have enough of those in a motorhome application.

Fred and Bonnie · 12-10-2008, 07:05 PM

The Workhorse Chassis Guide states "Normal operating temperatures are 190 to 240 degrees. Engine temperaturers will increase as ambient temperaturs and the load on the engine is increased. Engine temperaturers of 247 degrees and up should be suspected of overheat and necessary precautions must be observed to prevent engine damage".

Sounds like this engine will really take a beating and keep on ticking.

Fred