I live in South Florida where the current ambient temp is about 78F.
At speed I'm seeing 70C on the gauge, but it creeps up to about 90C
in traffic and idle.

Anyone know what the normal and safe operating temps are for this car?
I'm concerned seeing the needle hit that 90C mark.

Thanks!

 

I would assume you don't have air conditioning...If you do, then that is the cause of your higher temp readings...
Without air, your normal operating temp will , of course, depend on what thermostat you are running...Personally, I think 185 to 190 F , is where I like it...Much above that makes me nervous, too...
If you sit in traffic a lot, the temperature will definitely climb...Make sure your fan is running, and if you aren't concerned about a concours look, consider switching over to double fans, as on the later 4.2 cars.
Edward

 

Unless there's something particularly fragile about the E-type engines I don't see where/how 90ºC would actually do any harm. An *open* system at sea level boils at 100ºC. Heck, later versions of the XK engine used 88ºC thermostats and we're happy when the needle rests firmly at the "90" on the temp gauge


Cheers
DD

 

Thanks guys. I'm not sure what type of thermostat I have. But, I guess my main concern is how high is too high for the 3.8L E Type motor. In traffic I'm seeing a steady 90C, which translates to 194F. Is this a concern? If not, at what temp should I start thinking about shutting her down and calling my local Jag mechanic?

 

194 F, in traffic is no problem....If this is your "traffic" temp, then you are fine....
A 185F thermostat , will vary up to 190+, so it sounds like you are good to go.....
Edward

 

Jaguars of the 60s could struggle to stay cool in the southern US states. Much depends on the radiator efficiency. How new is the radiator ? As Mr Barry says, the later cars had electric fans, and this was probably due to the marginal cooling with the previous single engine-driven fan. It might be worth putting in a lower temperature thermostat to give you peace of mind.

 

I own a '66 XKE 2+2 Series 1 4.2L which had overheating problems. I changed the single fan blade with a black 10 blade fan blade and my over heating problems ceased. I also cleaned the radiator and replaced the fan blade motor and changed the surge tank to all aluminum. All the changes I made reduced my overheating problems. Now the car runs in traffic at 70 degrees consistently. Good luck with your 3.8L Jaguar.