[Muzikman]

Ok, I have noticed a few things about my engine temperature and I am wondering if it’s happening to others. If you have a 2005-2007 Xterra and a Scan Gauge (1st or 2nd gen unit), can you please take a few minutes and fill out the information below.

Set your ScanGauge to “Gauge� and set two of the options to Air Intake Temp (FIA) and Water Temp (FWT).

This test will take about 30 minutes. Please note the data below as you go.

-Start the X and note the air intake and water temperatures.
-Get the engine up to operating temperature (driving for about 20 minutes), then note the air intake and water temperatures.
-Please park the X on an uphill slop (it doesn’t have to be steep, but you should be able to feel the grade). Please let the X idle for at least 5 minutes, then note the air intake and water temperatures.
-Please park the X on an downhill slop (it doesn’t have to be steep, but you should be able to feel the grade). Please let the X idle for at least 5 minutes, then note the air intake and water temperatures.


Year Xterra:
Which Series ScanGauge (gen1 or gen2):
Estimated Outside Temp (<20º, 20-39º, 40-59º, 60-79º, >80º (F)):

Starting Temperatures
Water temp:
Air intake temp:

Standard Operating Temperatures
Water temp:
Air intake temp:

Uphill Facing Temperatures
Water temp:
Air intake temp:

Downhill Facing Temperatures
Water temp:
Air intake temp:

 

[BioMan]

I'm in. Mostly because I really want to validate my latest purchase to my wife but also bacause I'm interested to see where your going with this.

Should have some numbers for you in the next few days.

 

[B Slater]

Muzik - care to enlighten us about what you are trying to find out?

 

[Muzikman]

Well, first off, I am curious what the standard operating temperature is. I figure the best way to figure this out and poll the group. I don't think any people have any serious engine mods, but if someone does post numbers that are way different, then I'll ask them what mods they have. The one number I expect to be different is the Cold Air Intake temp. Obviously this number would depend on the temp outside, which is why I asked that. That might also change depending on the type of CAI the person has.

The other part of it is I have noticed an odd temperature change based on the angle the vehicle is sitting. I really want to find out if all new X's do this, or is there something odd with mine.

 

[B Slater]

Could it be do to the normal coolant (gurgling sound)? Could that cause some sort of coolant isolation when it is parked on a hill? I know that it helps to purge the coolant system while on an incline. (I'm just guessing)

 

[Muzikman]

I don't know. I don't get the gurgle sound and I have purged the coolant a few times now trying to figure it out. I have not done a full flush yet, but that is next on my list.

 

[Bruzer]

Muzikman,

I always have my ScanGauge II running in my Gen2 Xterra. I don't normally display the intake temp on my gauge, but I always display my water temp (FWT).

Up here in Minnesota I can see the water temp as low as 28 degrees when I start up. By the time I drive 3.5 miles to work, my temp is almost always up to the highest I get in the winter 181 degrees. It doesn't matter which way I am facing or how fast I am going, once it is warmed up it is 181. I don't recall the temp in the summer, and I don't know if it is different.

I will set my other gauge to FIA and get you those numbers you asked for. I would be surprised if my FWT changes from 181, but I have not tried what you are suggesting.

I don't recall a setting on the scan gauge for the engine oil. I wonder though if running full synthetic vs regular oil would make a difference in the water temp reading? Presumably the whole engine runs cooler with synthetic oil. I don't know if that should be one of your variable parameters. I run Mobil 1 5w30 all the time.

 

[usmc xterra]

Well I'll do it when i get back But since I put the synthetic oil in, I get a solid 184 FWT 4 seasons. On the hottest day with the AC on I think I saw 191. MC

 

[Bruzer]

I ran out for a quick errand. My Xterra was in the garage, where it is slightly warmer than outside and it is snowing.

Year Xterra: 2005 Offroad package (if that matters)
Which Series ScanGauge (gen1 or gen2): ScanGuage II (2)
Estimated Outside Temp: 18 degrees above zero (drove by a bank sign).

Starting Temperatures
Water temp: 28 degrees (garage temp?)
Air intake temp: 31 degrees (garage temp?)

Standard Operating Temperatures
Water temp: 182 degrees
Air intake temp: 22 degrees

I didn't have time to do the up hill or down hill idle today, will do some other time.

Just when I wrote that the vehicle never got above 181 it reads 182, so I will revise my statement. My Xterra operating temp is 181 +/-3 degrees.

Also I use Mobil 1 Synthetic oil in all my oil changes (if that matters).

 

[rusticle4]

In my 4.2 mile commuter I go from 10-20 deg F to about 185, and that is when I turn the heat on as the water hits exactly 145, since the heater core acts as a second smaller radiator this obv, effect warm up speed. With a K&n FIPK it starts out ambient temp, and gets to about 10-15 degrees above ambient depending on how many lights I hit on the way to work. My temps are a little colder than other since I get up and go to work at 530am, but my temps are always constant. I have the second gen Scan Gauge. Not many hills on my commute to work, so this weekend I can figure out what those might be.
During trips other than my commute my engine hits 195, and stays there solid usually never even moves until I idle, or shut it down. On the interstate and in the cold I can see 190 some times but that is rare.

 

[eXTra fORt]

Year Xterra: 2005 OR Automatic
Which Series ScanGauge (gen1 or gen2): Gen 1
Estimated Outside Temp (<20º, 20-39º, 40-59º, 60-79º, >80º (F)): -21ºF and windy...

Starting Temperatures
Water temp: Difficult to read - SG display is too coooold - my guest is -5ºF
Air intake temp: Difficult to read - SG display is too coooold - my guest -20ºF

Standard Operating Temperatures (after a ±20 minutes drive, being idle for 2 minutes)
Water temp: 185ºF
Air intake temp: 10.4ºF

Uphill Facing Temperatures
Water temp: 185ºF
Air intake temp: 12.0ºF

Downhill Facing Temperatures
Water temp: 184ºF
Air intake temp: 13.0ºF