456 coolant temp

does anyone know the correct coolant running temperature for a 456 is under normal driving it runs at about 180/190f, in traffic it can go up to 220f,then when i move off again it comes back to 190f. the main fan is running, but i cannot hear the secondry fan coming in . is this normal? sometimes it is a bit worrying coolant level remains constant.

 

I've not check to verify that both fans on my car are running at those temperatures, but my 456 also runs a bit hot. I've been told this is normal. That said, I juest yesterday added some redline water wetter. Don't know yet if it makes a difference for sure.

 

Yes that is normal

MB

 

Yes very normal..
mainly due to small radiator for such a big engine.. I guess they could not fit a larger one there.
If you go through the search.. you will find there are some 456 and 550 owners that installed SPAL fans (new generation, better efficiency fans) especially those who live in hotter areas. I have even seen people putting their batteries in the rear trunk to keep the battery cool and amp constant.. personally I think thats overkill unless you live in a constantly hot area. What I do is not to drive it when outside temp is over 105fahren.

 

Mine runs hot too.

But I now check the coolant level before every trip, Find I have a very, very small leak, which is deceptive. Takes about a 1/2 pint every 200-250 miles. CURRENTLY....

I only find the temp to be a problem when the outside temp is over 90 F. Otherwise the temp even after a 'nice ' run to a 'stop-n-go' situation, on a cooler day is NOT an issue.
so goes like this [456 only, the Mondial T is NEVER a problem under same circumstances...even run them together --two diff. drivers -- same day, and routes.]
90+F and run the 456 between 80-95 on open freeway, for about 1 hour, and then come to a slow down = temp gets very close the the red line to the point I turn off A/C, and put on heater in a couple instances!!!! I've talked to techs, and they state this isn't right....OIL BTW is perfect.

on < 90F and same above run, temp is about what you say, and not a problem...run the A/C to whatever I want and not a problem.

I KNOW my fans are working. and the radiator is basically clear of junk.

Don't know if this helps you, since I am citing outside temps in ratio to run temps. But the 348/Mondial T is never a problem.

I know this is my case as I make the above 1 1/2 hour 100+mile run, each way, every weekend from Sonoma-bay area cooler area-- to Sacramento = HOT area. I know, that the morning run will be no problem since I get to Sacto about 10AM at the latest, but on way back, towards the early eve, when the [current] Sacto temp is above 90F, I get a heated situation when I reach [90 miles later] the buildup at the Fairfield interchange. As soon as I get past that and air moves better over the radiator, the temp comes down.

~rik

 

I experienced a few nervous moments driving my 456M in moderate traffic conditions when the outside temp was about 30C/86F plus. The coolant temp reached nearly to 115C/239F (the maxim temp set out in the owner's manual). The dealer said it's normal and 456 is even worse. It defeated my plan to use the car as a daily driver. I have switched off the air-con at times. But, I could not imagine turning the heater on to ease the problem.

 

I own a 550 and I have had a few water temp scares in the past.
Suggest using water wetter to get a few degree off the operating temperature.

In any case, its worth checking that all is well:
- thermostat
- fans
- no air bubbles in the system
- relays and fuses

Give the potential damage of an overheated engine would make sure it's all operating propoerly before giving up.
These issues are sometime hard to track down.
There is a good post in the tech section about coolant temp in a 360.