I would first like to start off by saying thank you to all the great experienced ppl here, I have read a ton of the threads on this topic and more, I have to say that there is a lot of good advice and input on the DII and how to keep it running and happy .
As I mentioned, I have been reading the threads on engine temp... as I have a 'long in the tooth' DII with 152,000 mi and want to ensure I get a lot more life out of her... I have done all the maint suggested by Atlantic British (as I just purchased her). I then bought the Ultra Gauge to start monitoring the engine - my temps are:

• idle at a lights: 200 - 205 F
• Highway: 196 F
• climbing the mountains in Colorado Springs(30 mph): 200 - 209 F

I have read that these temps are 'normal' but I am still wondering if they are high... The idiot light is steady in the center of normal, so if I didn't have the Ultra Gauge I would not know any better.
What I am wondering is, should I be diagnosing anything OR is this normal for an experienced DII Thank you for the help...

Cheers!!

 

if your not going about 210 under load your fine

 

drowssap, thank you

 

It appears from your temps that you are fine. However this is what I have done. I know that the longevity of the head gaskets is related to high temps at least in part and I wanted to put off the dreaded head gasket job as long as possible. My water pump began to leak so I replaced the water pump, worn hoses, thermostat, throttle body heater, radiator, and viscous fan clutch. I used the 180 degree thermostat and now only use the green antifreeze. I found a lot of sludge from the Dex everywhere I looked. I have a lot more confidence that the Rover will stay within normal operating temps now. Even so, I am pretty obsessive about checking coolant levels. Good luck.

 

Not bad for climbing around the mountains with 190 stat.
Keep in mind that for the most part, if you are not running ac, the electric fan should kick on at 212 as auxiliary cooling fan.

 

You can help lower your temps by switching to the 180 t-stat and adding a bottle of water wetter or purple ice.

 

Thank you everyone for the great advice... I think I will be getting teh 180 t-stat to help me feel a little 'safer' with the temps.

Cheers!

 

One last question... the 180 t-stat, is that the same as the 'soft spring' t-stat from AB? I ordered that one, hope it is right. Here is hoping I extend the life of the DII

 

the 180 usually references the td5, as it is original equipment for the diesel.

 

Thanks dusty1, that is what the AB salesman said too. The 'soft spring' was original equip for the diesel, so it must be the right one