Detroit 60 coolant operating temperature

Salacious · July 22, 2019, 09:50:39 AM

What are normal coolant temperatures when traveling through Arizona in the summer time. I am seeing 200-208 degrees on my digital temperature gauge. This seems a little too high for my comfort level. Any info would be much appreciated.

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · July 22, 2019, 11:25:35 AM

Several bus drivers, including myself, have driven with their engine doors open when traveling thru the desert in the summer. A Greyhound driver taught me this. It lets a LOT of heat out of the engine compartment. You just have to put up with people passing you pointing to the rear of your bus. So if you use this method, you may want to make up a sign for the back of your bus saying something like "My Doors are Open for Cooling" or something.

A Series 60 engine can run up to 150 degrees and still run, but you definitely do now want to push your bus engine even close to that number. Someone once posted that they put a bright idiot light on their bus dash that came on at a preset temp so it was obvious so they would know it is time to shift down to a lower gear and ease off on the throttle. This allows you to drive without having to stare at your temperature gauge.

A properly configured and clean engine should never overheat. If you are running stock mufflers, consider removing them and knocking the guts out and reinstalling them as this holds back a LOT of heat too. I removed my muffler on my Series 60 and installed a resonator instead. This helped a lot. I have seen this one on 3 buses recently and it has made a big difference.

As for the temps, I will leave that to the experts but this is a good question.

Salacious · July 22, 2019, 11:50:49 AM

Thanks for all the info. I am running a MAGNA FLOW PERFORMANCE muffler.

luvrbus · July 22, 2019, 11:53:06 AM

Quote from: Salacious on July 22, 2019, 09:50:39 AM
What are normal coolant temperatures when traveling through Arizona in the summer time. I am seeing 200-208 degrees on my digital temperature gauge. This seems a little too high for my comfort level. Any info would be much appreciated.

Those temps will not harm a series 60 most have 2 speed fans and the high speed never comes on till around 210F,they are happy between 186 and 210F

Salacious · July 22, 2019, 11:57:37 AM

My owners manual says fan medium speed 195 degrees 199.5 high speed. I was thinking about locking fan into full time while operating in the desert high temperature. Any good options on that?

luvrbus · July 22, 2019, 12:13:14 PM

There no need but if makes you fell more secure go for it,not knowing what bus you own I know on a Prevost a fan lock in high takes away 30 to 35 hp from the engine LOL it not even hot in AZ yet

we have a mild summer going for us

Salacious · July 22, 2019, 12:28:48 PM

Thanks for the insight. Yes Fan = HP loss but cheaper than a engine. We are tipping 118 this week at my house. That is about 10 degrees cooler than last year nevertheless it's still hot. I try and move at night and not in the heat of the day.

busman · July 22, 2019, 06:05:11 PM

Re the comment about running with engine bay doors open
If you look at the pic, the mesh on the right hand side was what was fitted at build.
I changed both sides to the stainless bars on the left hand side and had a 6 deg C drop in coolant temperature with normal running.
It shows you how much heat is retained by the engine bay not being able to get rid of that hot air being pumped into it.
The bedroom above is cooler when you stop as well.
Don't know why pic is upside down ?

Salacious · July 22, 2019, 06:32:41 PM

I can see how that would help a lot with airflow. It amazes me the heat retention in engine compartment.

luvrbus · July 22, 2019, 06:35:47 PM

Quote from: Salacious on July 22, 2019, 06:32:41 PM
I can see how that would help a lot with airflow. It amazes me the heat retention in engine compartment.

yep that why bus engines don't live as long as truck engines

Fred Mc · July 22, 2019, 07:48:13 PM

This is a "BIT" tongue in cheek but I saw a Ferrari the other dayy where they show off the engine with a glass engine cover(mid-engine) Why not just take the doors right off and show your stuff.

Salacious · July 22, 2019, 09:31:10 PM

Do that on your bus and show us pictures please. Chrome the engine also so it's ascetically pleasing to motorist. Probably would over heat from no airflow unless you drilled a bunch of holes in clear plexiglass. However you want to do it because it's your project. I'll be waiting for the pictures. 😂😂😂😂😂

Scott & Heather · July 24, 2019, 12:59:13 AM

Gary's reply had a typo. He meant to type 250° not 150° but I'm sure you already figured that out. Lucky for you, you have a 60 series. Us two stroke guys can't flirt with anything over 200° or we will melt precious parts down. Having converted and owned two different buses I'm realizing their limitations and have a truck conversion in my future. Until then, I also leave my engine doors open if need be and drive according to the temp gauge.