Engine temp?

[Toyboy]

I've always thought my BX2230 was running cool and today after blowing snow for about 1 hour I finally checked it. The laser temp gun read 174 deg on engine and 145 on top of radiator. Being this is my first diesel that seems cool. Whats your thoughts on this?

 

[PHILIP8N]

What is your ambient, obviously below freezing? I imagine your thermostat full open temperature is 190F. You should have 190F just below your thermostat housing. Disreguard the top tank temp in these cold climates, most of your coolant is probably running in bypass as controlled by the thermostat. You temp gun is taking a surface temp and not an internal temp reading, so I would say your 174F surface temp means your block has reached operating temperature and is running correctly. Philip.

 

[crazyal]

My 4240 runs at four (out of 8) bars on the display. I know diesel run cold, that's why you'll see school buses with the radiator partly covered in the winter to help raise the temp otherwise the kids would freeze.

 

[Toyboy]

OK, Thanks. We're 25 deg here today. My temp gauge never moves more than 1/3 up the scale even in summer when a lot of guys are talking about theirs running hot. Oh well, good circulation I guess.