Larry,

I know that you have to run the car for at least 17 miles to get the oil fully hot. I usually drive it more than that before I change the oil.

However, regarding temp, I find that it takes a large amount of prolonged idling on a hot day in order for the oil temp to reach as high as 200F.

I checked the temp after a 300 mile drive in 75F weather and found the oil to be around 170F.

__________________
Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record