Proper operating temperature

[mlj002]

I just purchased a used RTV-X900 that has the digital bar gauge. After warming up, it is at the 3rd bar and I occasionally smell warm antifreeze. I have changed the radiator fluid and power washed the radiator. Is the third bar a safe operating temperature? What could be causing the warm antifreeze smell?

Thanks for the advice.

 

[JerryMT]

I just purchased a used RTV-X900 that has the digital bar gauge. After warming up, it is at the 3rd bar and I occasionally smell warm antifreeze. I have changed the radiator fluid and power washed the radiator. Is the third bar a safe operating temperature? What could be causing the warm antifreeze smell?

Thanks for the advice.

The smell probably comes from a small leak. Can't help you on the temperature indicator. What does your owner's manual say?

 

[CGMKCM]

I believe you have a 160* thermostat. Easiest way to check is purchase or borrow a laser thermometer Laser T and measure temperature leaving the engine headed to radiator. Just above item (5). My RTV-1100 runs around 3 bars on the digital gauge. Smell is most likely a small leak where hoses run forward to radiator. Was a common problem on early 1100 series.

 

[85Hokie]

I would say a "good" temperature of a hard working diesel engine would be something close or a smidge over 200F in the upper radiator. Colder than this is considered "bad" for any engine - not hot enough to boil off any moisture that has worked its way into the oil.

If you have an infrared thermometer - point it at the top of the radiator and at the bottom of the radiator - you should see about 100F difference. The top, again after working hard might be at a high of 220F - but again the bottom should bring that back to 120 or less.

 

[Nathon Hall]

I have a brand-new X900 with less than 50 hours on it. It too smells of antifreeze. The antifreeze smell in my case is due to the dealer-installed block heater. During the installation process, some spillage naturally occurs on the engine. Takes a long time to clear-up. Watch your coolant level, and if it doesn't decrease in volume or become contaminated with combustion particles, don't worry. On the other hand, loss of coolant or dirty, flaky particles in the coolant could mean a variety of head or head gasket issues. Also eyeball your engine oil when checking it for coolant contamination.

Third bar is normal operating temperature after climbing a hill or two; don't fret about that.