What should my engine temp and oil pressure be?

19stang66 · 07-01-2006, 08:14 PM

So I finally got the new temp gauge installed along with my oil pressure and tach. My question is, what should the normal temperature be for my 289 that is bored .030, has performer intake with holley 600 carb? I also have headers if that makes any difference. I do not have a fan shroud and I don't know how many core radiator I have, but I think it's like 17"x20", i'm pretty sure it's not stock. When I drove her yesterday for about 20 min into town at 60-75mph the temp got up to around 220*. I don't think it should be that high. I havent had to sit in any traffic yet so I'm not too sure how hot it'd get if I were idling in traffic. What should be a good temp for my engine?

Now what would be a good oil pressure for my engine? When I start it up it goes to about 40-60psi then after driving it for a bit it drops down to like 30-40psi. But then yesterday after driving into town and sitting at a stoplight I looked down and it was below 20psi, but after I drove off it raised back up. What should my oil pressure be?

Soaring · 07-01-2006, 08:19 PM

Your engine temp is a bit high. Shoot for anywhere between 190-210. You may have to add that shroud. Your oil pressure sounds about right.

myshifter · 07-01-2006, 08:20 PM

fans really need a shroud, I would be looking into that. As for oil pressure, 10psi per 1000 rpm. So anything above 10 psi at idle, assuming idle is around 700+ is fine

19stang66 · 07-01-2006, 08:26 PM

I know i've asked this before but will a stock fan shroud work with my fan? All I know is that the fan is a Ford clutch fan. Did those come stock back in the day?

19stang66 · 07-01-2006, 09:14 PM

I see in NPD's catalog that there is a mounting kit and brackets for the fan shroud. Do I need these to install the shroud? Also, how do I tell how many core radiator I have?

Soaring · 07-01-2006, 09:32 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: 19stang66

I see in NPD's catalog that there is a mounting kit and brackets for the fan shroud. Do I need these to install the shroud? Also, how do I tell how many core radiator I have?

Yes, you will need the mounting brackets along with the shroud. When your engine is cool, take your radiator cap off and look down inside your radiator. You can count the rows from front to rear of the rad. Be sure you get the correct brackets for the number of rows you have.

19stang66 · 07-01-2006, 09:55 PM

This is the setup that I am running now. The fan I have now has 7 blades and is 17". Will a 18.25" fan fit in there? Here is the fan i'm looking at getting Flex-a-lite wide blade fan

Soaring · 07-01-2006, 10:02 PM

Your rad appears to be either a 3 or 4 row. Count the rows to make sure it's not a 2 row. No need to upgrade it if it's in good shape if it's either a 3 or 4 row. You also have a clutch fan which is what you need. Don't get the flex fan. All you really need is the shroud, as I see you already have the recovery tank.

19stang66 · 07-01-2006, 10:23 PM

Well if I'm thinking right, you count the cores by the ridges on the top inside of the radiator. If so then it's a 3 core. It's not stock then is it?

Soaring · 07-01-2006, 11:39 PM

No, stock was a 2 row. You should be OK with the rad. Check your lower hose to make sure it still has the spring in it to prevent collapse at high pressure. Check your cap to make sure it is a 13 pound cap and is sealing well. Get the shroud.