Cylinder Head Temp

[WipEout]

Hi. I asked Oliver this question in the Race Shop section too, but I thought I might post in this section where it might get more views:

Any idea what the normal operating temperature (Farenheit) would be for a 2056cc head? 42mmx36mm, 44IDF Webers, 1700-style head. The problem is, the guage only runs up to 340, but the needle regularly passed the 340 mark. I heard from the local bug shop that the heads run normally at around 350, but I wanted a second opinion (or five)... Thanks for any help you all can give me!



DAVID MANN

[lightning bug]

I saw your post in the other section and I've been researching. I BELIEVE that you need a broader range guage (0-600). I think 340 is actually low. I BELIEVE 400 is around normal. You won't come close to 600 or you'll meltdown. I'll get more info for you.

[WipEout]

Thanks, Lightnin' ! Like I said, that's about what the local VW shop said, but I wanted a second opinion!

[lightning bug]

Ok. I did a little research and I came up with 325-390 F is normal operating range. 390F being on the "warm" side. 400F getting hot. 410+ is too hot. I also read that sender placement is important. I read that it should go as close to the combustion chamber as possible. You may want to get a second opinion on that.