[Cloud9...68]

For those of you who have oil temperature gauges, what's a reasonable operating range for oil temperature under heavy load (read track driving, on a hot day)? I did a search, but couldn't find the answer I was looking for, so I went by memory (always a dangerous thing), and the figure of 210 degrees F stood out in my mind, so I ordered a gauge with a max reading of 250F. Please tell me I didn't mess up... Thanks.

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[Eric_Oz_S2]

250F = 120C. 210F = 99C. Most gauges read to 140C. I think 110-120C or 230-250F is about the safe limit. I think the upper limit of your gauge would be the "danger" zone. Obviously you want a higher viscosity oil - but let's not turn this into an oil thread! I'm about to get one of these gauges too.



Keen to hear others opinions.

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[flash]

on the track you can see oil temps up as high as 265 F. many oils (like royal purple) break down before that. that's why it's important to have a gauge that goes up that high. i would recommend one that goes to at least 280.

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[Cloud9...68]

[quote name='flash' timestamp='1330005522' post='122216']

on the track you can see oil temps up as high as 265 F. many oils (like royal purple) break down before that. that's why it's important to have a gauge that goes up that high. i would recommend one that goes to at least 280.

[/quote]

Crap! I already ordered the one that goes to 250. Maybe it hasn't shipped yet...

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[flash]

yeah - you'll see 250 nearly every time you go out on the track, and end up freaking out and not driving well

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[Cloud9...68]

Whew! I was able to cancel the order before it shipped. So, it sounds like a guage with an uppur limit of something in the neighborhood of 280 to 300F. How do you guys feel about digital vs. analog? I like the look of analog, and I like the way you can more naturally monitor the rate of change, but I suppose digital may be more accurate. Also, any recommendations as to brand? Thanks

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[flash]

i prefer analog - it's easier to read at a glance. somehow a digital output requires thought, which is not something i like when i am on the track

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[Cloud9...68]

I agree. I think the brain can more efficiently process information if it can see the trend at a glance. With digital, you have to sort of "remember" how fast the numbers are changing. OK for something that's supposed to stay constant, like a voltmeter, but I think for a temperature gauge, analog is a better choice.

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[flash]

yup - i only went digital due to space. there was nowhere to put an analog gauge once i went to a double din deck, and i was unwilling to completely rework the cluster to make it fit. i had analog gauges and loved them. very bummed.



oil temp is slow changing, so either way you'll be fine, but analog with the gauge twisted so the normal temp is needle straight up is best for track

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