The Coastal Metal guys did some experiments back in the day and figured out when the 3rd and 4th bars come on (120 and 220, resp.): http://www.hondas2000accessories.com/serv03.htm

I thought you were using a mechanical thermoswitch (not the EMS)? If you do and if you could log when it goes on and off would that be another way to do a reality check on temps?

 

Well, the problem is the fan switch is in the radiator. The temps vary quite a bit from the radiator to the block.

The concept is that the mechanical switch turns on the fans when the radiator gets too hot. While the EMS (or stock ECU) turns on the fans when the engine gets too hot. They both have different purposes, and there's only a very loose correlation between the two.

 

What's interesting about John's comment is that it's consistent with your calibrations, Gary, as I never hit four bars on the temperature gauge before the EMS and yet the EMS was reporting operating temperatures of 228 degrees F. on the track (which suggests that my turbo setup should have tricked the fourth bar on the temperature gauge when the stock ECU was still in place). Using your calibrations suggests I was only running something like 212 degrees, which is consistent with my temps. never getting to 220 degrees. Very interesting. Of course, now I'll have to find another rationalization for spending big bucks on a new radiator. Wait, must be the oil temperature issue...

 

[QUOTE]Of course, now I'll have to find another rationalization for spending big bucks on a new radiator.

 

In truth, I think an upgraded radiator *was* worth it, if only for peace of mind and to bring my temps down from 212+ degrees to something more reasonable (190 degrees or so), not to mention the fact that it forced me to redo my oil plumbing and for the oil cooling -- which I'd have had trouble addressing with a traditional air-to-oil cooler, given that my brake ducts are already being used to bring cold air to the rotors and the intercooler takes up all the space in the nose of the car. But this entire discussion reinforces the need for good calibrations with the EMS.

 

thanks guys
these are really valuable information

 

Your post reminds me that I need to post my experience with the new AIT and ECT calibrations, but my car's still down for the count. I've yet to pull the turbo, so it's just been sitting in the garage for the past month.

 

[QUOTE] Your post reminds me that I need to post my experience with the new AIT and ECT calibrations, but my car's still down for the count.

 

Hi Gary,

No, it's still down from the last track event (which you know about). Nothing new. I just couldn't deal with any more car crap for a while. But I've finished ripping out the interior to install my Elda bar. I had to ask Wael to send another one, as the first one didn't sit square. Then, the second fit perfectly but I had to have it repainted. In transit, the paint got all garfed up. So, it's just now back from the powder-coaters. I hope to install it tomorrow and get the interior and new seat/rail installed by the weekend. Then, I can get back to the turbo and I'm also installing a catch-can between the PCV valve and manifold. In short, lots of deliberating, little action, but I hope to make amends shortly. How's your car these days?

CB

 

It's moving. Work has seriously slowed things down with all the travel. So, it will take some time. I'm mostly done for a short period on engine/performance mods. Getting ready to start on an LCD, auto pc, new amp, new speakers. Just taking time as with travel I don't feel like doing anything on the weekends...