Coolant question

[TheEnemy]

We have a bunch of 2002 dakota 4X4s at work, even stock they run hot. They all smell of antifreeze no matter what.

Edit: It might be due to the integrated plastic resivoir leaking that they always smell.

The one I drive has a mechanical fan, one thing I noticed its the way the fan shroud is set up there is nowhere for the air to flow as it is ducted right at the front of the engine with only a couple of inches of clearance. Very poorly done IMO.

[mcrews]

I have a Q45 w/ a V8. The front thempostat opens at 185. The rear at 210.
My scangauge will sit at 195 at idle or park. (even after 20 minutes) while driving it runs from 197 to 213 with it being over 200 most of the time while driving.
According to my Field Service Manual, my 'temp light' is triggered at 230. So 'technically' I'm ok at 229.
with that said, I tend to really pay attention when I get to 220. Especially if the driving conditions will stay the same for more that 30 more minutes. Like driving thru a desert area. Or being in stop n go traffic jam.

[ConnClark]

My advice is to remove the grill block and see what is normal. Only then will you be able to determine how far you want to press your luck with a grill block. Just remember you want to maintain the same operating engine temp year round to prevent excessive wear.

[gone-ot]

A-B-A test time.

[Specaled]

Being a full time college student living in the dorms means a-b-a tests every 2 weeks lol.

[Weather Spotter]

as it gets colder you will want a full block on. just watch the temps and see how often the fan comes on I (quick drop in temp from 209 or so down to ~200). keep this minimal and you have your grill block size!

[Specaled]

When driving I never notice on the gauge if my fan is one. Either it never turns on or it's always on. My temp drops when I coast in neutral, that's the only time I see it drop. Any ideas?

[Weather Spotter]

where does the temps stay at?

can you look and see the fan? is it direct powered, belt or electric?

[Specaled]

At 60mpg the temp stays at around 206 when its 60ish degree's out. It's belt powered.

[redpoint5]

On both my TSX and CBR600 the coolant temps rise whenever I coast in N and plummet once I let the clutch out and the engines comes back up to speed. Everyone else is saying their coolant temps drop while coasting. Strange.