Ideal operating temperature [Merged 9-7]

[Tarantula]

What is the ideal engine operating temperature for a 2G. With operating temp I mean the best temp that would permit proper lubrication. I heard that oil is better at protecting at higher temps.
Maybe best output in gas mileage.
What is the temperature that a 2G goes into closed loop mode.
What happens if you run the engine at say 190 continuous. (with the occasional rise to 210 climbing hills but generally 190-195)
At what temp does the head Gasket lets go
The reason for asking: I have been fighting high coolant temps (222F) and that scares me. I finally got my temps down by running a 170 thermo, water wetter and distilled water. Along with both stock fans running high speed constantly via a switch. Now the only thing is it drops to 192 and stays there. I turn it on after it reaches the temp that the fan turns on (210). Sometimes it drops briefly to 186. My engine has 131,000 miles and use it daily. I don't want to ruin it running it too cool in attemps to protecting it from running too hot. I have also heard that its best to let the engine oil reach at least 212 so that it can vaporize water that forms from overnight parking.

 

[Tarantula]

180 is the temp my car goes into closed loop.

 

[ekanddsm]

Is your water pump, pumping?
Is your radiator clogged?
Is your thermostat stuck?
Is your base timing off?
just a few things to consider

 

[Tarantula]

Is your water pump, pumping?
Is your radiator clogged?
Is your thermostat stuck?
Is your base timing off?
just a few things to consider

I have done lots of research. And I found answers to my Questions.
The idea engine temps for my car (or any engine for that matter) is 200 degrees F to 210 Degrees F. Engine oil should reach 212F to burn off condensation. At least in the begining. 200 is good too as water will burn off the oil. The Factory intended that the engines temps fall between those two (200-210) Best gas mileage can be achieved at these temps also because that is the temperature the fuel can completely burn.
The ECU goes into closed loop at aproximately 180F. Temps over 190 ECU is completely in closed loop.
The head gasket lets go with varying situations. No one answer can be given but one thing is for sure. It can let go if engine overheats which means the coolant actually boils. With the Radiator cap, this boiling of coolant is moved to a higher temp. With antifreeze its moved further. Water boils at 212F with the 13psi cap it boils at 245-250F and with 50% antifreeze it boils at 265 and 70% antifreeze it boils at 276.

-Now to answer your questions.
-My water pump is pumping. Confirmed with letting it run with cap off.
-My radiator is new and did 2 flushes and used distilled water always.
-Thermostat is new. I have used 170 stant and 180 stock thermostat. Works perfectly confirmed by putting it in a pot and boil water.
-My base timing is not adjustable. The 95-96 DSMs have NON adjustable timing. Timing is set and controlled exclusively by the ECU. It is always correct.

Now to let you know my final results. I have done every possible check on my situation and have found that its just airflow to the radiator is limited due to the FMIC. Wired my fans to stay on with the high speed mod (I found) and the pin #1 on the hi relay grounded hooked via a switch. With the 180 Stock Mitsu thermostat and jiggle valve removed temps cruising around town are the normal 203-210F and on the freeways I switch on the fans on(Both run on high speed) and temps are 199-210F
I am now satified with my findings.
My compression was 195 (Factory is 178psi)A bit high. So now I just have to get all that carbon off my piston tops due to running too rich and also driving too many times with the low thermostat 170. MAny say don't go with anything lower than 180. Now I know not to.

 

[talon55]

Does anyone know what the regular operating temperature is for the 1 gen talon TSI AWD ??? Also what temperature is considered overheating ??

 

[92awddsm]

195-215* tends to be normal operating temp, depending on weather. I personally dont like to go over 230* at the very most but some dont consider it overheating until it reaches 240-260*, at which point, it starts to cause damage.

 

[DJYoshaBYD]

anything over 220* on anything aluminum (ie your head) is bad... you got a cast iron block, so it will take a lil more to screw that up