Yeah, I recently installed a spoon thermoswitch, spoon radiator cap, and spoon thermostat. Now when I turn the heater on, the temp gauge does not go past the 2nd hash mark.

My question is: Is it possible to run an engine too cold, or is cold always better for an engine? Will this harm my engine in any way?

Thanks in advance.

 

Hrm...

I don't have an answer for you, but am interested in this as well...

Even after some "spirited" driving, you still can't get the temperature up to the normal level?

I'd say try contacting spoon or a rep like a&j who could tell you.

In any case, please post up what you find out, because many on here are contemplating the same or similar mods to keep the engine cool..... Including myself.

 

First question: why did you put in all this stuff? Was your car overheating?
2nd question: Why do you need your heater in California? You CAN wear long pants/long sleeves once in a while you know.
3rd question: why are you looking at the temp guages response to heater operation?

The function of the heater (other than providing warm air for the passenger compartment) is to bleed heat off the motor. If the car is running at a lower operating temperature - then there will technically be less heat available in the coolant to warm up the heater core.

Ideally you want the car to be able to get the oil up to operating temperature and maintain it at that level. Unless you are doing long high speed driving events at WOT or live in a very very hot environment (like Cali) the above mods are not necessary.

Lastly, don't trust the stock COOLANT guage. It's not very accurate.

 

ALL Honda's, I don't care what it is, run like crap under 160º Even those of us with FI need it to be above 160º. But I'm sure the boys in the boost club would like to know this

 

I'm not really concerned about the heater...I just threw that in there to give you an idea of just how cold the car runs at certain times. I'm more interested in finding out the answer to the below question:

What are the postives of running the engine cooler with a low temp thermostat as far as performance and engine longevity are concerned? What are the negatives?

Thanks again guys.

 

the engine is designed to work at a certain temperature. If the engine is not warm enough the oil migt not be thin enough and might hurt your engine if you are revving at 8k rpm. Also, I don't know how it will afect oild [ressure, but VTEC is designed to engage at a certain oil pressure among other condiitons like throttle position, etc.

 

Wow! Now at least we know those add-ons do something!

Also-does turning the heat on make a big difference? For instance, if you DON'T have the heat on, does the car run at normal temp.'s?

 

What mods do u have in ur R ? Higher compression ?

 

Its not good for the engine. I doupt anything serious will happen, although I'm no mechanic. I put a cooler thermistat in the stang to gain a few hp, and after a few months the plugs were all fouled up.


[Modified by jond, 11:31 PM 11/19/2001]

 

i got a mugen thermostat and radiator cap from king almost a year ago...and i would definately suggest it...i was told by bob at king that it help's the v-tec kick in a little sooner...seem's like that would make sense, since it run's a little bit cooler than stock..and it get's pretty hot here in florida!!