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Posted by: Headrage Aug 14 2007, 08:32 AM

Is it necessary to monitor head temps on a /6 like it is on a /4?

My 2.7 has no external cooler but oil temps stay in the 205 - 215 range all the time. I'm just curious if I should also be looking at actual head temps.

If it's a good idea, how is it done?

Is there a head temp sender somewhere on the motor or do you have to set up an aftermarket type like a sender under one of the plugs?

Posted by: Headrage Aug 14 2007, 03:58 PM

Posted by: dimitri Aug 14 2007, 04:36 PM

Years ago I was running a 2.2 T with Webers in a 73 VW bus and my oil temp in
New Mexico ran a steady 300 F. After returning to the Bay Area, San Francisco,
I called the Shell refinery. Was told nothing to worry about and offered a free
oil analysis. The motor never quit on me, 5years later broke the ring gear and sold the van hull. kept the engine. Now I have a Vanagon Syncro with a Subaru
xt6 motor, 2.7l 6cyl. Ones you experience water heating, even a Porsche motor
911 type is no match. Dimitri

Posted by: Rand Aug 14 2007, 05:00 PM

Why are head temps important? Because certain metals can tolerate different levels of heat. And certain things break down or stretch or otherwise degrade when they are overheated... Valves, guides, etc.....

Has to do with materials and temperatures..... No to do with the number of cylinders.

I get your point though... some motors are more/less prone to problems than others. But there are so many variables... About build, state of tune, cooling tin, timing, etc., etc., etc....

Me, I want to rely on the gauges that tell the state of MY engine. Not some vague guidelines about one motor or another.

A decent head temp gauge with an under-the-spark-plug sender is less than $100. Good idea in my book.

Posted by: Headrage Aug 14 2007, 05:56 PM

QUOTE(Rand @ Aug 14 2007, 03:00 PM)

Posted by: SLITS Aug 14 2007, 07:02 PM

QUOTE(Headrage @ Aug 14 2007, 04:56 PM)

QUOTE(Rand @ Aug 14 2007, 03:00 PM)

A decent head temp gauge with an under-the-spark-plug sender is less than $100. Good idea in my book.

What cylinder runs the hottest on a /6?

Posted by: Eric_Shea Aug 14 2007, 07:14 PM

Posted by: Brando Aug 14 2007, 07:39 PM

I agree with SLITS, #'s 3 and 6 would be the warmest.

The cooling is setup differently on a flat six than the flat four. Having a fan setup that churns more air through there has a tendancy to help, too.