I think a sock for temps is a non-issue, since high pinch generally means high temps anyway. It sure did on the Caster Grenade (rebadged GX 5-port) I had a few years ago. That thing always ran hot.. 290-310 hot... I never preheated, but it quickly got plenty hot after starting.. Always. Was a good engine though. One of the best idlers I've ever had too...