Water Temperature?

SilverEcstasy · 07-18-2005, 08:49 AM

Back when I first got my car, my engine always ran at exactly 200 (I think thats what the temp is, with the needle straight in the middle), and when I got my exhaust and CAI it would always run a few degrees below 200. Now, winter or summer, this thing runs above 200 for some reason! Anyone have any ideas what might be the issue? I thought it was the filter, so I changed the cai filter but it still gets up to normal operating temperature above 200! Its not much, but its enough to make me wonder.

(trying out the new smiley)

boost21 · 07-18-2005, 08:52 AM

mine is the same way...i do get uneasy but im getting to feel that it is normal with this hot arse weather

DevilSlayer · 07-18-2005, 09:09 AM

It happens to me in the friggin' winter. Mine also used to run at 200 on the nose, but not its 205 all the time, cold or hot weather.

action · 07-18-2005, 11:18 AM

Not unusual for the temperature to run the width of the needle above or below normal.

dna_dan · 11-03-2005, 10:57 AM

I just changed my water pump at 103K miles and noticed this. I also changed the thermostat and flushed the radiator.

The funny thing is, the temp NEVER used to fluctuate at all before. Now when I sit in traffic, the car gets hotter and I can see the temp go up. Nothing major, only to like 210-215. But then it will drop when I start moving at freeway speed again. The car never did this prior to me changing the water pump and thermostat. So I figure a few things are going on here:

1) The reservoir cap is broken or not working properly, (I had to install and remove it a lot when I flushed it. )

2) There is still an air pocket somewhere in the system. I bled the system through bleed valve but no air came out.

3) The temp sensor was not working properly before, but now is. Perhaps it wasn't connected all the way to begin with.

The damn gauge never used to move AT ALL before. It was always 200 rock solid irregardless of weather or driving situation. This is sooo strange. I gotta throw in the freak alert for this one:

I am a little concerned about this because of the age of the car. It's a 2000 with 100K+ miles on it. I am hoping to god it isn't the dreaded LIM gasket leaking. I am watching fluids very carefully.

atc3434 · 11-03-2005, 11:03 AM

Mine always fluctuates... runs 190-195 on the highway, it'll heat up some in traffic. I monitor with the scan gauge too, and the stock temp gauge isn't 100% accurate, and it moves pretty slow.

Slim · 11-03-2005, 11:04 AM

A few things could cause that.

1. Coolant getting older.
2. Thermostat.
3. Reduced flow through the rad (gummed up).
4. etc.... You get the idea.

coupe · 11-03-2005, 11:20 AM

All GA's have heat issues, comes with the car. All i gotta say is "caspers fan switch".

dna_dan · 11-03-2005, 02:44 PM

Yeah I think you are right coupe. It's better just to keep the engine cooler overall.

Do you run the fan all the time the car is running? Is there a detriment to doing so? Certainly any heat is bad for all engines.

nascarnate326 · 11-03-2005, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dna_dan

I am a little concerned about this because of the age of the car. It's a 2000 with 100K+ miles on it. I am hoping to god it isn't the dreaded LIM gasket leaking. I am watching fluids very carefully.

I didnt hope enough, and had to have $800 dollars of work done to my '99.
Although now it runs at 200 or a tick over consistantly .

Heating issues are just like the stearing wheel, comes with the car. Well Usually.

Panacea · 11-03-2005, 04:28 PM

Mine stays a smidgion the the left of the 200 degree mark. During summer time/idle it is a smidgion to the right of 200 or one tick over. It's normal.

stanjk3 · 11-03-2005, 10:01 PM

Mine was running 2-3 marks below 200 even in warm weather, rarely saw 200. Had the thermostat replaced and that fixed it. Had the opposite problem in my last car, '88 Bonneville. Temp went 3/4 of the way up before the cooling kicked in.

coupe · 11-04-2005, 05:58 AM

If i let it idle it will get WAY over 200, like scary over. I think the headers dont help. When it gets to 200 i flip the switch, it keeps it just under 200 when its on.

Panacea · 11-04-2005, 06:25 AM

I think the fan is suppose to kick in around 230-235 degrees, but I'm not positive.

coupe · 11-04-2005, 06:48 AM

Mine dosent seem to, DHP dont even help. Caspers turns the fan on at full blast.

Pontiac Ninja · 11-04-2005, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Panacea

Mine stays a smidgion the the left of the 200 degree mark. During summer time/idle it is a smidgion to the right of 200 or one tick over. It's normal.

That's exactly what mine does.

2002AmSE · 11-07-2005, 01:24 PM

Mine runs 200 degrees for the first 10 mins or so of driving and if I'm not going over 40 or have the heat on it creeps up two or three notches. With extended idling it goes up even more. The A/C trick won't work anymore because of an issue where the high pressure side cap caused the rubber valve inside the port to start leaking... I have flushed it until it was clear and mixed it 50/50 and I still have the same amount of heat. I figure that it can't be the thermostat because it will cool to the right temperature when driving at speed so I'm pretty sure it's working just fine.

My thoughts are:
...Engine is running hotter than it used to...
...The impellers on the water pump are wearing out...
...The cooling passages are becoming blocked... (although I used a flushing agent the first time I flused and that hadn't changed anything.)

Panacea · 11-07-2005, 02:00 PM

Also, if your coolant resevoir cap isn't tightened all the way (or damaged) it will cause a pressure leak and your temp will raise significantly (I know, this happened to me once).

00blackGT · 11-10-2005, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coupe

Mine dosent seem to, DHP dont even help. Caspers turns the fan on at full blast.

Hey, about how hard is it to install them? I think i am going to get one for my GA...Thanks!

coupe · 11-10-2005, 10:51 AM

EASY. It comes with detailed instructions and there is no cutting at all. It took me 30 minutes to install. One of my favorite mods i have, not to mention the cheapest mod i have.

07-18-2005, 08:49 AM	#1
SilverEcstasy boosted..finally! AKA: Mike Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Michigan Age: 37 Posts: 2,633 Vehicle: 08.5 MS3 GT	Water Temperature? Back when I first got my car, my engine always ran at exactly 200 (I think thats what the temp is, with the needle straight in the middle), and when I got my exhaust and CAI it would always run a few degrees below 200. Now, winter or summer, this thing runs above 200 for some reason! Anyone have any ideas what might be the issue? I thought it was the filter, so I changed the cai filter but it still gets up to normal operating temperature above 200! Its not much, but its enough to make me wonder. (trying out the new smiley) __________________ Mike 2008.5 CWP Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring - mine 2008.5 CWP Mazda CX-7 Sport FWD - hers

07-18-2005, 09:09 AM	#3
DevilSlayer Aspiring car freak AKA: Chris Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Edgewater, Maryland Posts: 147 Vehicle: 1999 Grand AM GT Coupe	It happens to me in the friggin' winter. Mine also used to run at 200 on the nose, but not its 205 all the time, cold or hot weather. __________________ well as cliche as it may sound I'd like to raise another round and if your bottles empty help yourself to mine thank you for your time and heres to life --Roger Clyne "Mekong" Best comic ever

11-03-2005, 11:03 AM	#6
atc3434 Grand Am Again AKA: Andrew Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Auburn, NY Age: 38 Posts: 1,999 Vehicle: 1999 Grand Am SE	Mine always fluctuates... runs 190-195 on the highway, it'll heat up some in traffic. I monitor with the scan gauge too, and the stock temp gauge isn't 100% accurate, and it moves pretty slow. __________________ 1999 Grand Am SE2 - Blue, TOG Headers, SLP Exhaust, DHP - SOLD 1996 Vert' Z-28 - M6, magnaflow muffler-back, K&N FIPK, Hurst Short-throw - 13.6 @ 103mph. 2006 Dodge Charger R/T Daytona - Go Mango Orange #2832 of 4000. Tune/exhaust. 14.009@97mph. 2002 Saab 9 5 Aero Wagon - 3" turboback/tune. 17psi of sleeper fun just waiting to surprise you.

11-03-2005, 11:04 AM	#7
Slim Captain Canuck AKA: Matt Join Date: Mar 1977 Location: Burlington, Ontario Age: 44 Posts: 3,593 Vehicle: 08 Acadia, 13 Mazda 6	A few things could cause that. 1. Coolant getting older. 2. Thermostat. 3. Reduced flow through the rad (gummed up). 4. etc.... You get the idea. __________________ Canadian to the core!

11-03-2005, 11:20 AM	#8
coupe lick it AKA: Rand Join Date: May 2003 Location: Grand Rapids, Mi Age: 40 Posts: 7,347 Vehicle: 99 GAGT/96 Z71/05 R6	All GA's have heat issues, comes with the car. All i gotta say is "caspers fan switch". __________________ CarDomain.com http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...endID=31690558 he has asserted his dominance over competing males with the loud masculine sound form his exaust system, Females searching for a potential mate will be driven away by weaker exaust systems and attracted to his SLP.

07-18-2005, 08:52 AM	#2
boost21 GAGT - Senior Member AKA: -_- Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Midwest Posts: 2,766 Vehicle: turbo ls1	mine is the same way...i do get uneasy but im getting to feel that it is normal with this hot arse weather

07-18-2005, 11:18 AM	#4
action GAGT - Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: St. John's, Newfoundland Age: 43 Posts: 656 Vehicle: 2000 GA SE V6	Not unusual for the temperature to run the width of the needle above or below normal.

11-03-2005, 10:57 AM	#5
dna_dan GAGT - Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Age: 46 Posts: 91 Vehicle: 2000 Grand Am GT Coupe	I just changed my water pump at 103K miles and noticed this. I also changed the thermostat and flushed the radiator. The funny thing is, the temp NEVER used to fluctuate at all before. Now when I sit in traffic, the car gets hotter and I can see the temp go up. Nothing major, only to like 210-215. But then it will drop when I start moving at freeway speed again. The car never did this prior to me changing the water pump and thermostat. So I figure a few things are going on here: 1) The reservoir cap is broken or not working properly, (I had to install and remove it a lot when I flushed it. ) 2) There is still an air pocket somewhere in the system. I bled the system through bleed valve but no air came out. 3) The temp sensor was not working properly before, but now is. Perhaps it wasn't connected all the way to begin with. The damn gauge never used to move AT ALL before. It was always 200 rock solid irregardless of weather or driving situation. This is sooo strange. I gotta throw in the freak alert for this one: I am a little concerned about this because of the age of the car. It's a 2000 with 100K+ miles on it. I am hoping to god it isn't the dreaded LIM gasket leaking. I am watching fluids very carefully.

11-03-2005, 02:44 PM	#9
dna_dan GAGT - Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Age: 46 Posts: 91 Vehicle: 2000 Grand Am GT Coupe	Yeah I think you are right coupe. It's better just to keep the engine cooler overall. Do you run the fan all the time the car is running? Is there a detriment to doing so? Certainly any heat is bad for all engines.

11-03-2005, 04:28 PM	#11
Panacea Mmmm Donuts. AKA: Macleod52 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rock Island, IL Age: 40 Posts: 3,160 Vehicle: '09 Malibu LTZ	Mine stays a smidgion the the left of the 200 degree mark. During summer time/idle it is a smidgion to the right of 200 or one tick over. It's normal. __________________ "Never argue with idiots. They bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience."

11-03-2005, 10:01 PM	#12
stanjk3 GAGT - Member AKA: Stan Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: West Chester, PA Age: 47 Posts: 286 Vehicle: 05 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT	Mine was running 2-3 marks below 200 even in warm weather, rarely saw 200. Had the thermostat replaced and that fixed it. Had the opposite problem in my last car, '88 Bonneville. Temp went 3/4 of the way up before the cooling kicked in. __________________ 2006 Subaru Impreza 2.5i 2005 Subaru Legacy Limited Wagon 2.5GT Friends don't let friends drink cheap beer.

11-04-2005, 05:58 AM	#13
coupe lick it AKA: Rand Join Date: May 2003 Location: Grand Rapids, Mi Age: 40 Posts: 7,347 Vehicle: 99 GAGT/96 Z71/05 R6	If i let it idle it will get WAY over 200, like scary over. I think the headers dont help. When it gets to 200 i flip the switch, it keeps it just under 200 when its on. __________________ CarDomain.com http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...endID=31690558 he has asserted his dominance over competing males with the loud masculine sound form his exaust system, Females searching for a potential mate will be driven away by weaker exaust systems and attracted to his SLP.

11-04-2005, 06:25 AM	#14
Panacea Mmmm Donuts. AKA: Macleod52 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rock Island, IL Age: 40 Posts: 3,160 Vehicle: '09 Malibu LTZ	I think the fan is suppose to kick in around 230-235 degrees, but I'm not positive. __________________ "Never argue with idiots. They bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience."

11-04-2005, 06:48 AM	#15
coupe lick it AKA: Rand Join Date: May 2003 Location: Grand Rapids, Mi Age: 40 Posts: 7,347 Vehicle: 99 GAGT/96 Z71/05 R6	Mine dosent seem to, DHP dont even help. Caspers turns the fan on at full blast. __________________ CarDomain.com http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...endID=31690558 he has asserted his dominance over competing males with the loud masculine sound form his exaust system, Females searching for a potential mate will be driven away by weaker exaust systems and attracted to his SLP.

11-07-2005, 01:24 PM	#17
2002AmSE 3.4L SE1 54.5k miles Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Minnesota, USA Age: 35 Posts: 506 Vehicle: White 2002 GrandAm SE1	Mine runs 200 degrees for the first 10 mins or so of driving and if I'm not going over 40 or have the heat on it creeps up two or three notches. With extended idling it goes up even more. The A/C trick won't work anymore because of an issue where the high pressure side cap caused the rubber valve inside the port to start leaking... I have flushed it until it was clear and mixed it 50/50 and I still have the same amount of heat. I figure that it can't be the thermostat because it will cool to the right temperature when driving at speed so I'm pretty sure it's working just fine. My thoughts are: ...Engine is running hotter than it used to... ...The impellers on the water pump are wearing out... ...The cooling passages are becoming blocked... (although I used a flushing agent the first time I flused and that hadn't changed anything.) __________________ White 2002 Grand Am SE1 3.4L 54,500 miles

11-07-2005, 02:00 PM	#18
Panacea Mmmm Donuts. AKA: Macleod52 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rock Island, IL Age: 40 Posts: 3,160 Vehicle: '09 Malibu LTZ	Also, if your coolant resevoir cap isn't tightened all the way (or damaged) it will cause a pressure leak and your temp will raise significantly (I know, this happened to me once). __________________ "Never argue with idiots. They bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience."

11-10-2005, 10:51 AM	#20
coupe lick it AKA: Rand Join Date: May 2003 Location: Grand Rapids, Mi Age: 40 Posts: 7,347 Vehicle: 99 GAGT/96 Z71/05 R6	EASY. It comes with detailed instructions and there is no cutting at all. It took me 30 minutes to install. One of my favorite mods i have, not to mention the cheapest mod i have. __________________ CarDomain.com http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...endID=31690558 he has asserted his dominance over competing males with the loud masculine sound form his exaust system, Females searching for a potential mate will be driven away by weaker exaust systems and attracted to his SLP.

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