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Do I worry too much? Engine temp

Yahoo Message Number: 73268
Today we traveled in 90+ temps. Silver leaf was 'normal' fluctuating between 188 and 198. 200 for a few seconds on a hill. This was on single lane US highway with little or no wind. Gauge on dash matched the Silverleaf. (ISC 350). I try to sit between 55 and 60mph.
Then we turn onto an Interstate and the temp dropped to 177 - 184. Still in the mid 90's outside. 177 - 184 seems too low.
Stopped for lunch and returned to interstate and the temp returned to 'normal' 188 - 198. Then after about 30 miles returned to the 177 - 184 range.
Strange thing is that our small air temp readout in the dash jumped from 90 back to 80 and back to 90 in the space of 30 seconds.

So question?

Why would the Silverleaf show as 'normal' on a hot day and then drop back to a lower readout? Would the fan be on all the time? I walked around the motorhome and it didn't seem to be running.

My worry is that if I ignore it, it may come back to bite me!

Thanks.

Bruce 2001 Intrigue. #11278.

Re: Do I worry too much? Engine temp

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 73269
Bruce,

The 177 degrees sounds like it is below the operating temperature of the thermostat. The only way an engine can drop below the rating of it's thermostat is if the thermostat is either stuck open or operating erratically. As a suggestion I would have it looked at or change it.

Don Seager

2004 Allure 31046

bayardxyz wrote:

Today we traveled in 90+ temps. Silver leaf was 'normal' fluctuating between 188 and 198. 200 for a few seconds on a hill. This was on single lane US highway with little or no wind. Gauge on dash matched the Silverleaf. (ISC 350). I try to sit between 55 and 60mph.
Then we turn onto an Interstate and the temp dropped to 177 - 184. Still in the mid 90's outside. 177 - 184 seems too low.
Stopped for lunch and returned to interstate and the temp returned to 'normal' 188 - 198. Then after about 30 miles returned to the 177 - 184 range.
Strange thing is that our small air temp readout in the dash jumped from 90 back to 80 and back to 90 in the space of 30 seconds.

So question?

Why would the Silverleaf show as 'normal' on a hot day and then drop back to a lower readout? Would the fan be on all the time? I walked around the motorhome and it didn't seem to be running.

My worry is that if I ignore it, it may come back to bite me!

Thanks.

Bruce 2001 Intrigue. #11278.

Re: Do I worry too much? Engine temp

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 73270
Ok I will jump in with my temp. question. When I am descending a very long downhill grade like to one coming up I5 my engine break keeps me at 45 which is great but when I get to the bottom of the hill The engine temp will read around 110. Is that normal or a bad Thermostat? Brian O'Day
Portland Oregon
2006 inspire 51565

Re: Do I worry too much? Engine temp

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 73271
Bruce,

The early stages of my second fan controller failure had these exact symptoms. Intermittent failure of the controller has these symptoms. One other thing that is possible.
I find that on the very hottest days my engine runs the coolest. That is because the high air conditioner condenser pressures drive frequent high cooling fan speed.

Good luck.

George in Taos
'04 Allure 31038
George in Birmingham
2003 Magna 6298

Re: Do I worry too much? Engine temp

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 73272
Hey Don,

I understand your point but my experience is different from the theory. Both times my fan controller failed my fan ran on full speed full time. Both times were in the summer and in both cases my coolant operating temps would drop as low as 175 degrees as reported on the Silverleaf. I can't explain it but I can report it.

George in Taos
'04 Allure 31038
George in Birmingham
2003 Magna 6298

Re: Do I worry too much? Engine temp

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 73273
So what's the down side of running too cool?
I'm heading for Dallas and need to know if I need to get it fixed NOW.

Bruce

2001 Intrigue 11278

Re: Do I worry too much? Engine temp

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 73276
The engine runs less efficiently at temps below optimal. Also, if your temp is low because of fan controller failure you are wasting horsepower (and fuel) on running the fan at high speed.

George in Taos
'04 Allure 31038
George in Birmingham
2003 Magna 6298