What is the right engine coolant temperature?

[PhopsonNY]

Hi,

I have just been reading "how stuff works" and they say that the optimum temp for engine coolant is 93degC for best ignition timing.

Is this the case for the SR? I have an adjustable thermostat for my electric fans along with my Greddy coolant temp sensor. I have it set to 83degC now, but maybe I should have it higher.

In addition, can a turbo that is going bad cause higher than normal engine temps. I am trying to find the reason for a loss in power with more turbo lag and my engine temperature geting higher quicker... ie my cooling fans have to come on more often than before.

thanks


Modified by PhopsonNY at 5:18 PM 4/1/2006

[PhopsonNY]

Driving home today, I noticed the old responsiveness was there when I first got into the car.It was still cold and maintained coolant temp at about 70degF. for a while.

Then after a couple of miles, the power was down again a mile later the temp started to climb like I described above.

I think there is a exhaust leak somewhere that only shows up after the car has warmed up. I suspect the exhaust manifold or the tubo gasket.

In order to find it will try driving the car around for a while till it is fully warmed up, use seafoam and plug up the exhaust and force it out the leak...

Anyone have any better ideas as to how to find it?