Water temp concerns

I have looked this up with the search engine but have not really found my answer, I wanted to know the normal operating water temp would be i have seen temps as high as 215 on the freeway in 85-90 degree temp. I do not want to worry myself but if there is a problem figured it would be better to find out sooner then latter. oh its a 225 with a sm 420 was also wondering if 4th gear and 3.73 gears would lower rpm's and make engine run hotter. Thanks in advanced

 

It is a four speed and do not know the final drive i have only had the jeep about 4 wks, it seems everything is ok and posting the pics, any ideas i am new to this whole lets be a mechanic thing, i understand water and steam pretty well though.

 

I have only driven it for a little while but it seems to be under 200 maybe 205 but today driving up a good grade in the heat it was 215, but it does seem to run warm on the freeway. Just thinking summer time could be a problem just do not want to damage anything.

 

have you had the radiator cleaned and flow tested? i know a partly clog radiator will run hot on the highway but run cooler at lower rpms.

 

My I6 did the same thing. The coolant temp was always okay when driving around town regardless of the ambient OA temp, but load it up and the coolant temp would begin to rise. Ultimately I replaced the radiator and all was well. Even when it's 95F OA the coolant in the block stays under 200F now.
KSA

 

no can i just flush it myself with a hose, i am not to keen on the machines that pressure wash your radiator from the inside.

 

appears 1 blade is bent on the fan ?
I would drain down the coolant level so the tops of the tubes are exposed inside the radiator and look at them; any deposits or scaly buildup is bad.
For lack of not knowing more, replacing the t/stat might be a good place to start, if it's age and condition are unknown.
180* would be fine for So Cal weather.

 

Going by the gauge, which may or may not be accurate, mine never gets over 180

 

I got my rad fixed (2 holes), flushed, pressure tested and painted for about $50 bucks at a local shop seemed like a good price. He even fixed it when I bumped it and put a pin hole in it a week later for free. I'd check local rad shops and see what they charge in your area.

 

yes, please be very careful with that shroud.
They are unobtanium, non existant.

 

OK it appears that I have 2 bent fan blades would that effect the fans performance, and what about the shroud being exstinct, is that a orginal. :? I will change the t stat and was going to straighten the blades on the fan is there any problem with rebending the blades to straighten. Also i noticed that there is very little clerance from the radiator outlet at the bottom and the fan blade maybe a 1/4inch, what could have bent the fan blades on oppisite sides of the fan maybe a broken belt or contact with something else:?

 

would also check coolant level, mine runs hot if low.

 

If rebending the fan is not an option does anyone have a part # for a new fan or a suggestion on what is a good reliable manufacter of these fans. Thanks you guys are always helpful

 

If it were me, clean out the radiator and flush the block and heads, change the thermostat to a new 180* one. Check all hoses and replace the fan, flexalite makes a good flex fan. Once this is done use a known good gauge. Mine will run down the highway in 100* temp all day long and never hit 200* hills or no hills, now slowing down and in traffic at 20mph shes gonna get hot..