Coolant temp fluctuation | FerrariChat

Coolant temp fluctuation

Discussion in '360/430' started by nsx_2k, Jul 3, 2016.

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  1. nsx_2k

    nsx_2k Rookie

    Apr 7, 2009
    36
    As a new member to the Ferrari realm, I am still learning my way around my 360 (99 F1 Modena Coupe) so please forgive me for my naivety. My question pertains to the coolant temperature.

    During normal driving (6th gear at highway speeds), the coolant temp sits at 170 degrees. This is what I normally notice whether the A/C is on or not.

    However, I have noticed that if I end up at a stale red light idling for an extended period (~3 minutes) or get caught up in stop-and-go traffic during the summer months (air temp can get up to 90+degrees), I notice the coolant temp gently climb to 210 degrees. As I then begin to get up to speed, the coolant temp gently falls to 170. The coolant temp never gets past 210.

    My question is whether this fluctuation in coolant temps is normal? I know that when the temp reaches 210 the radiator fans kick on. I have received no warning messages from the on-board computer. Car behaves great. So I'm basically curious whether this is normal behavior for my other vehicles seldom have such fluctuations in coolant temp.
     
  2. ar4me

    ar4me F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Apr 4, 2010
    3,114
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Jes
    What you describe sounds normal.
     
  3. shad99

    shad99 Formula Junior

    Dec 12, 2013
    300
    Japatul Valley, CA
    Full Name:
    Andy
    Normal. There's a dual contact switch on the passenger side radiator which controls the fans via relays. Passenger side activates at 197 F and shuts off at 188 F. Driver's side fan starts at 207 F and stops at 197 F.

    Cheers, Andy
     
  4. BladeMD

    BladeMD Formula 3
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Oct 20, 2015
    1,140
    Sarasota, FL
    Full Name:
    Hannibal
    I had no idea.... Great to know. Stuff like this is just another reason why I love this community.
     
  5. BrettC

    BrettC Formula 3

    Aug 13, 2012
    2,115
    Calif
    Full Name:
    Brett
    If it goes past 210...then watch out...check evap tank for oil mixed into coolant...a sign of the heat exchanger going bad and mixing fluids from the transaxle with coolant. Caught early it's not so bad so just keep an eye on the coolant tank.
    HTH
     

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