temperature vs. power?

Question

Why is it that most modern gasoline engines run at 190-220 when antifreeze is rated at close to 300 degrees? I have always heard that the more higher temp an engine runs the more power it gets, and the more complete the combustion cycle before prenotation or knocking temp kicks in which is quite high. I've had a car get that hot and cool it down still running that was above prenotation temp. Any answers?

Answer 1

ok well there is a sweet spot for heat on most motors you want the engine to run cool but be at that sweet spot, when a problem happens that causes overheating or hard running of the motor that coolant is rated at a higher running temp than the motor to protect it at those temps...

Answer 2

Every engine is different. Depending on the year, fuel, material of the block and heads, the engine has it's optimum tempertature. Do you realize how many folks have killed their motor because they removed the thermostat thinking that the engine gets better cooling? You are measuring the coolant temperature when you say the motor is 190-200 F. Remember that the air above the piston is much hotter than that. Because of the transfer of heat, the metal doesn't melt. If you start increaseing the temperature of a motor, expect oil breaking down faster, cylinder walls slipping, rings slipping, valves bending, the list goes on. Keep your engine temp set to manufactures specs.

Answer 3

Did you know that most state patrol vehicles have advanced parts in their cooling system to make it last way longer than stock vehicles in a high speed chase? There should be a temp sensor on your radiator that kinda sends messages to trun on your fans. The vehicle will attempt to control it's own temp. Just cause the temp can go that high doesn't mean you want it to...

Answer 4

Anti freeze is to keep your engine from freezing in winter and keep your heater core from freezing in the summer. It may raise the boiling point of the water slightly but has nothing to do with your engine temp. Water boils, at sea level, at approx 212 Deg.
If you go up in the mountains your car will boil at perhaps 180 deg. if you go high enough. So if you add a pressure cap to the radiator, usually 15 lbs. you increase the boiling point of the water so it won't boil till say 220 deg. at sea level and 212 deg. at altitude. The pressure controls the max. pressure and the cap opens and relieves at it's set pressure. The thermostat controls the circulation of the water to maintain whatever its setting is.
And thats just the way it is !!