Nissan Repair: 92 Maxima VG30, tempreature, mechanical type

Question
Hi.
I am retro fitting a water temp gauge, mechanical type that is in fahrenheit.
I am only used to the gauges with cold to hot.
Can you please tell me what the normal operating range is so I know when things go wrong?
Kind regards.
Steve
Sydney Australia.

Answer
Steve,

I like to run around 200 degrees to 220 degrees farenheit.  You can actually run at 242 and that is the ragged edge of melting parts.  Plus the temperature sensor is not reading the hottest part of the engine so 200 to 220 is pretty good.  So, if it gets to 242 you know you are going to need to do some substantial cooling augmentation.  I like using a variable fan switch to aid in cooling the engine before it gets too hot and also, be sure there are good seals around the radiator to force that air through.  If yours is an automatic use an aftermarket cooler like a Hayden 404.  I have one om my Maxima and it works to reduce transmission tempreature by over 50 degrees.