changes in running tempature
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 186
Likes: 27
From: Pensacola, Florida
changes in running tempature For as long as I have had my 99 firebird, which is a little over a year, the temp gauge has always ran in the same position, just a little behind the 210 mark. But recently it has creeped a little past the 210 mark and the fan stays on constantly while sitting. I plugged in my scanner and its running about 230 to 235 degrees without the ac running and 90 degree outside tempature here in Reno NV. I'm a little worried being this is my only vehicle currently. the waterpump is about one year old from napa and coolant level is right where it is supposed to be. Has anyone experienced this situation? Thank You for your help. Update, I currently did an oil change, It has been using Mobil 1 full synthetic 10w 30, this recent oil change I switched to Mobil 1 full synthetic 5w 30 which is what the factory requires. I just went for a ride and it reached 243 degrees with the ac on.
Last edited by br549; Jul 23, 2018 at 04:15 PM. Reason: update on tempature
You may first just check to make sure that there isn't anything making the radiator function less efficiently. Many a member here has seen cooling performance drop to find a flattened squirrel, bird, armadillo, etc. pressed in to the radiator fins.
Are both of your fans coming on? Any damage to the blades?
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 186
Likes: 27
From: Pensacola, Florida
Thank you for your reply. I checked everything you said and they were all good to go. what it ended up being was when I replaced the waterpump about a year ago, I didn't replace the the thermostat becase I was tired of walking to NAPA, "3 miles one way," and forgot to pick one up, that came back to haunt me yesterday! I drove to oreilly's yesterday only to find out they sold me the wrong thermostat, I didn't realize it untill I took the other one out when I got back. Thankfully oreilly's was only 1.5 miles away so it only took about 2 hours to go get the right one! I had to buy the housing with the thermostat already installed. But it's back on the road only reaching 220 at the redlight with ac on. Thanks again for your reply, this is why I bought a membership for this site because without it I would be screwed! Maybe one day I'll have some knowlege to contribute.
Teching In
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
My 2002 Z28 was running hot but it turned to bad radiator cap. I guess lack of pressure was making coolant blowout the vent tube. I was over 3 quarts low and it was running up to 240 while stting still. At highway speeds it ran at 210 but as soon as i stopped it would creep up.
I would never want to see 240+ on my temps....even though these aluminum engines can take it. I hate it when I see 225.
If I lived in crazy hot places like Nevada I would definitely have a misting system on my car. Very simple to make.
Drill a hole in the bottom of your windshield washer fluid tank, thread in a brass fitting, attach a small pump exactly the same as the windshield washing pump thats already in there.....actually using one of them from a junk yard is the perfect pump to use. Then, run a line to a dozen or so mister heads in front of the radiator. Then an electrical ON/OFF switch to the interior.
Thats it.....switch it on and your temps will drop 30*F in a minute or two if the fans are on. Or faster if you're moving.
A handful of people I know have that on trucks and on a few Vettes (Vettes run a lot hotter than F-Bodys).......it works like a charm on real hot days. One fill up of water in the tank will last a few weeks of frequent use. And you still keep your windshield washer fluid sprayer pump.
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If I lived in crazy hot places like Nevada I would definitely have a misting system on my car. Very simple to make.
Drill a hole in the bottom of your windshield washer fluid tank, thread in a brass fitting, attach a small pump exactly the same as the windshield washing pump thats already in there.....actually using one of them from a junk yard is the perfect pump to use. Then, run a line to a dozen or so mister heads in front of the radiator. Then an electrical ON/OFF switch to the interior.
Thats it.....switch it on and your temps will drop 30*F in a minute or two if the fans are on. Or faster if you're moving.
A handful of people I know have that on trucks and on a few Vettes (Vettes run a lot hotter than F-Bodys).......it works like a charm on real hot days. One fill up of water in the tank will last a few weeks of frequent use. And you still keep your windshield washer fluid sprayer pump.
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