Cylinder head temperature

Does anyone know what the usual Cylinder Head Temperature should be? I’m seeing temperatures between 208 and 212 degrees, and I’m worried because I think my catalytic converter might be clogged.

3 Likes

Normal temperature is between 195 and 210 degrees, so it should be fine. But you can check your cat’s temperature too, just to be sure.

1 Like

Thanks for your help! I was driving on the highway at around 80 mph and noticed my car’s temperature was reaching 218-220 degrees. Should I be concerned about this? I’m planning to get a temperature gun later. What’s the normal temperature range my car’s engine should be at?

Thanks again.

My Scanguage shows cylinder head temperatures of 188° - 192° on hot days and 178° - 182° in cold weather. The highest I’ve seen is 196°, but that was just as the truck was warming up on a hot day before the coolant started circulating. It dropped quickly after that.

I think your readings might be for coolant temperature, not cylinder head temperature. If they are coolant temperatures, they’re higher than mine.

My Scanguage always shows the coolant temperature as slightly higher than the cylinder head temperature.

If it were me, I’d replace the thermostat with a new Motorcraft one just to be safe. I don’t think it’s a catalytic converter issue. Are you seeing a check engine light?

I’m getting a check engine light for the catalytic converter on bank 1. I thought it might be because of my Magnaflow high flow cats. When we welded the bungs in, we put them on top instead of halfway in. Now that my Edge says the cylinder head temperature is 220, I’m starting to worry a bit.

Unless you’re pulling a heavy trailer up a steep hill, it shouldn’t be running that hot.