I have a 351Cleveland into which I just installed a windage tray. My SW
oil temp gauge markings begin at 140. I have a 180 degree coolant thermostat. I use Castrol SynTec 5W-50
synthetic oil. My
oil coller is NOT hooked up.
Prior to installing the windage tray, the oil temp rarely even registered on the guage. The only time it did would be after idling for a long while on 95+ temp days or while driving fairly hard on twisty backroads where rpm was up but speed was usually between 40-60. When it did register, it would only get to 140-150.
Now, after putting in the windage tray, the oil temp always registers on the guage and doesn't go below 160 on the highway once the engine is warmed up and it will go to 180-190 if idling for a short while.
Is this a normal occurance for pre and post widage tray use?
I know most everyone says that the oil coolers are not needed unless you have a bigblock or are racing, but what should be the normal operating temp for oil in a medium displacement engine?
Thanks,
Keith