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I've had an oil temp gauge in my 240 for a few years. The highest oil temp I've ever seen is around 210 degrees F, which happens when I'm idling in the summer with the AC on after driving for some time. In the winter, I need to be driving for some time before the needle moves from bottom (120 degrees F). The temperature fluctuates more in the summer than the winter and does so between driving and idling. During normal driving in the summer, my temp hovers around 160 degrees.
I've noticed that the water temp rises much more quickly than the oil temp does. I assume that this is due to the nature of the fluids.
I now use full synthetic oil and am not as concerned about thermal breakdown or sludge formation. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong on these assumptions!) I also run a cold engine for 30 seconds - or a minute in the winter - before driving, but I never rev it high until the water temp begins to rise.
I'm also a bit paranoid about that sensor sticking down from the oil pan. I've even thought of building my own belly pan extension to protect it from the occasional run-over of debris and snow and ice, but never did because it may cut off air flow and reduce the engine's ability to cool itself during driving.
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Mike F - 1984 244 DL - 296,000 miles
Original engine, transmission, drive train, starter
Undergoing reconstructive surgery with POR-15
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