creizlein

The other day I took the car for its first trackday, it was extremely hot in here, summer time, around 30-35c outside
I do have my Hondata overheating protection setup to 98c and I never ran into it before, usually the car is at 93c , but this time around I did hit the 98 and even 99c cooling temperature a few times, so had to slowdown and reset the checklight. The needle on the dash however didn't move a bit, its always stuck in the middle as usual.

I have comments that it is safe to go above 100c, i.e. 102 or even 105c without any problems, is that so? what is the safe temperature mark to not overcome?

I am running a sk2 alpha radiator with Motul Inugel new coolant on a B16 engine.

TheShodan

iTrader: (14)

I'm not a fan of 99c.That's awfully hot. Might need to see if the fan is outdated for the new radiator

creizlein

The fan i am using is the oem one, with the original shroud, both in perfect conditions tho.
What would be the normal operating temp on a trackday with a very hot summer day?

TheShodan

iTrader: (14)

They may be functioning, but not efficient given your new radiator and increased cylinder pressures from the turbocharger.

Remember, Just because the engine is over-enginered, doesn't mean the cooling system is.

This isn't norma,l track day or not

jdblock

Is the car knocking?

creizlein

turbocharger? increased cylinder pressures? mmm, where did you get that from? the engine is dead stock, only bolt-on like exhaust and new intake manifold....

creizlein

No, i do not think so, the car runs smooth, to be 100% honest I cant tell since i dont have the knock sensor on the p28, but i didnt heard anything and the AFR values never went crazy nor the ignition, so we assume no.

TheShodan

iTrader: (14)

My apologies. I'm reading about 6 threads right now. It still seems as though a newer fan and thermostat are in order. I know you're looking at safety, but is it to be simply discussed or are you going to test out these theories as you ask?

2x0

Is your Skunk 2 radiator the half size or full size?

First, replace your thermostat, it may not be opening fully and restricting coolant flow.

jdblock

What is your AFR at WOT? If you are running on the lean side, the engine can run hot.

You can go into the fueling compensation table and add more fuel to the hotter coolant temps (maybe 5%). The extra fuel can take heat out of the engine, and is a decent way to add protection. Yes you'll lose some power, but it can save your engine too.

creizlein

the radiator is halfsize indeed, not full size.
I changed the thermostat about 6 months ago, using the oem bran new one, I may think it should still in good shape but worth checking

creizlein

It goes around 12.5-12.8 , the fuel table was in pretty good shape as i was datalogging the session.

creizlein

I appreciate all the comments and suggestion, very good hints indeed, but one think that i haven't read or get to know is what is the expected ECT to have?
If we are saying that 98c is too hot, what would be normal? 95? 90? Bear in mind the notes i made, it was an extremely hot day and the car peaked 98c only once, mostly running at 96-97c tops

2x0

With a half sized radiator, you definitely need a high performance fan. You cut down your cooling surface area significantly.

creizlein

Which Fan would be a high performance? Mishimoto Universal Electric Slim Fan 12" Radiator? I never saw any other with these radiators
and I didnt cut down the cooling surface, the car comes stock with this radiator, plus, again, we are not discussing the point, which is what is the correct ETC to run....

TheShodan

iTrader: (14)

The computer, thermostat housing and thermostat are responsible for these ECT temperature regulations. You want to be anywhere from 88*c-95*c and no more. Sometimes it will fluctuate between these temperatures while driving, and the fans will activate when the thermostat spring lifts at the right temperature.

High performance fans include SPAL, Zirgo, and even C&R and FAL. Mishimoto may have a decent radiator, but their fans are garbage.

Based upon your symptoms, you need to change both radiator and fans and if going for "trackdays" (which you hadn't stated what style of racing). CHANGE BOTH

2x0

creizlein

Thank you very much, I will check which products SPAL has to replace mine, and also give the thermostat another check just to make sure it still functional.

The temperature never went more than 95c, and knowing that 95c is a safe spot then I'd assume everything is fine, this was an exception to the rule due extremely summer day and track-racing activity which usually doesnt happen, but wanted to make sure how HOT i would let it run before activating the protection, With these comments I will leave it at 98-99c max, and not 105c like I was told.