Asking for input, ie, normalcy.

This is for the 85 Van Winkler car that slept for 10 years. Its running a tad on the warm side compared to my 86, much more gauge variation, so , like Fraggle a while back, I'm starting to diagnose.

Engine was started and run for about 2 minutes this morning, so it didn't even warm up. It was tested about 2 hours later, essentially cold. Ambient is about 75F.

Passenger Bank
1 175 170 (by radiator)
2 180 185
3 165 165
4 165 165

Drivers Bank
5 165 170 (by radiator)
6 175 175
7 165 165
8 170 165

 

I wonder why the #8 plug is darker?

 

Those compression numbers look just fine. Especially for cold and dry. They're well within the 15% variation I've always been told.

I doubt the plugs have enough time from the short run to have
developed the color enough for a good read, and the exposure values seem to vary, but they appear fine.

 

I have 3 85's and all run between 175-185 warm so I think you good to go!

 

The plugs look fine and so do the compression numbers. Those plugs can't have too many miles either. Put them back.

 

I still want to know why #8 is so dark.

 

They're back.
Plugs must have been changed before it was put to sleep.

The temperature gauge acts like its a half order of magnitude more sensitive than the other cars. Last night, 15 miles to the store at about 85F ambient, gauge was at upper white line and electric fan was running. It runs just short of half gauge, not quite horizontal, but when it gets over 80 outside and especially if I push it a little bit, I'm close to the top white mark. Fans engage at the top mark. Viscous drive fan works fine. Maybe I have a radiator working at less than optimum.

86, same conditions, would be a bit over the first running mark, less than half-gauge in other words, with no aux fan operation. Same with the two sixteen valve cars.

The #8 wasn't wet or really much different than the others, and same compression, so I'm not thinking its an issue. I've had lots that were oily or carboned and this doesn't seem near that condition.

 

Inferior coolant?

 

They all have the same coolant or close to it.

If it gets any more protracted I'll switch the 85 and 86 radiators and try that.

 

I'd change out the thermostat first. Water pump weak? Propeller warped?

 

All been done. Then completely disassembled, checked and reassembled. Including the new waterpump and timing belt.
The only thing I didn't do was pack clay in between block and pump to check clearance.

 

Is the MAF original? Lean running may increase coolant temps.

 

Yes, it very likely is.

 

So one car runs hotter than the other, and you want to know why?
Hell, maybe it really is just a radiator difference.

Does one have a heater core variance allowing hot water in when it shouldn't?

 

Drive on!!!!!!!!!!!!! CR is fine & the plugs also look fine......sure #8 is darker but it could just be the flash on the camera too......

One thing I REALLY like to track the "health" of my engine is Oil Analysis.....I use Blackstone labs & it is VERY informative to the internal condition of the engine...sure looking at the drain magnet helps & cutting open the oil filter helps too......but Blackstone is the final word & when used over time shows a pattern of wear-condition that can help you decide when its time to rod bearings-etc