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Humidity and Engine Temps

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Dane, Aug 24, 2005.

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  1. Dane

    Dane Formula 3
    Owner

    Apr 25, 2002
    1,512
    #1 Dane, Aug 24, 2005
    Looking for your thoughts as to what condition, high or low humidity, would result in lower engine temperatures. Given the same ambient temperature, I think low humidity, thus more dense air, would result in lower engine temperatures. i.e. my car in southern Idaho may run cooler than, say, if it was driven in Seattle (given the same ambient temps, of course).

    The reason I ask is there certainly seems to be a variety of engine oil and water temperature figures for the 308 crowd. Would you attribute the differing figures to the fact that every car or location is different or a combination of the two?

    Those that have done cross-countries may have a good in-sight.

    Thanks,

    Dane
     
  2. Ken

    Ken F1 World Champ

    Oct 19, 2001
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    Arlington Heights IL
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    #2 Ken, Aug 24, 2005
    Altitude is a really important consideration too, especially for mechanical carb cars.

    Ken
     
  3. Dane

    Dane Formula 3
    Owner

    Apr 25, 2002
    1,512
    #3 Dane, Aug 24, 2005
    Absolutely correct. My reasoning says that a car running at 10K feet and 90F ambient will run hotter than the same car and temp at 2K feet. Lower altitudes have more dense air and, thus, greater cooling affect.

    Dane
     
  4. Dcup

    Dcup F1 Veteran

    Jan 3, 2005
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    Claude Balls
    #4 Dcup, Aug 24, 2005
    good point, ive noticed my 348 running a bit hotter than usual lately and oil temp as well with the high humidity.
     
  5. wax

    wax Five Time F1 World Champ
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    Dirty Harry
    #5 wax, Aug 24, 2005
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  6. FasterIsBetter

    FasterIsBetter F1 Veteran

    Jul 22, 2004
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    Steve W.
    #6 FasterIsBetter, Aug 24, 2005
    Forget about altitude density, temperature-humidity index, etc. All you need to know is what's in that picture to come to the correct conclusion -- BAD HAIR DAY!
     
  7. matteo

    matteo F1 World Champ

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    #7 matteo, Aug 24, 2005
    Ditto with my 308
     
  8. chrismorse

    chrismorse Formula 3

    Feb 16, 2004
    2,150
    way north california
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    chris morse
    #8 chrismorse, Aug 24, 2005
    Let us not forget the variability of old sending units and gauges.

    I replaced the oil pressure sending unit on my 77 308 and saw an immediate 50% improvement in oil pressure, now reads approx 90-100 psi at 4000 rpm hot, (210 degrees with 5-30 mobile-1).

    I have purchased but not yet installed new oil and water temperature sending units. Water temp looks to be running 160-180 with oil about the same, (coastal california, 70mph cruise, 75 degree day, flat ground, humidity probably about 50%).

    hth,
    chris
     
  9. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    May 29, 2001
    18,055
    USA
    #9 f355spider, Aug 24, 2005
    Totally agree with you Chris...on a 308, we are talking about a car that is at best, now 20 years old...and could be as much as 30 years old. Don't forget that oil coolers and radiators can get plugged up, both externally (flush them with a strong stream of water) or internally. I know that my local independant Ferrari mechanic regulary fixes overheating 308's and 328's by removing the radiators, and having the bottoms cut off, and "rodded out" where they run long brushes through the tubes to clean out all the crap. Kinda like getting an angioplasty!
     

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