Maintain Operating Temperature

On today’s computer controlled vehicles it is vital to maintain an efficient operating temperature. Too low of a temperature will cause the computer to run the vehicle with a rich air-fuel mixture. Excessively high temperatures can warp metal and crack gaskets, leading to major engine damage. Most vehicles run coolant at a temperature of around 195ºF (91ºC). Coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat, which will be presented later in this chapter.