Engine Overheating Issue

[js139]

I am hoping someone out there could help me out with an overheating issue with my 94 ATX. The car doesn't overheat at all until stopped and at idle, but it then starts warming up pretty quick. I changed the thermostat today and it is actually worse now than with the old one (maybe the old one was a lower temp thermostat).

Anyways, the fans work and the car temperature comes down when the fans come on, but they don't stay on long and the temperature goes right back up. I guess I am wondering where on the temperature range (on the stock guage) should I expect the fans to come on? The car normally runs right at the bottom of the "L", but then climbs to the top of the "R" when the fans come one. Is this too high and should I be worried about this or just let it be since it isn't in the red yet? Also, is there a way to get the fans on sooner and stay on longer?

Thanks for your help.

 

[SuperHO]

unless it's regularly hittin the high side of the N or higher, i wouldn't raise an eyebrow on it. however, being that time of the year, a coolant flush might not be too bad an idea. FWIW, stock fans should kick in somewhere around the middle of the guage. i personally went with an aftermarket fan when my motor went kaput. wired it to a switch in the dash and now the fan comes on when i tell it to.

 

[TopGunnYFZ]

unless it's regularly hittin the high side of the N or higher, i wouldn't raise an eyebrow on it. however, being that time of the year, a coolant flush might not be too bad an idea. FWIW, stock fans should kick in somewhere around the middle of the guage. i personally went with an aftermarket fan when my motor went kaput. wired it to a switch in the dash and now the fan comes on when i tell it to.

I did that on my ATX but with the stock Fans. Can keep her cool as ice on a 100* day

 

[jmpSHO]

The ATXs have two fans make sure both are working.

 

[js139]

Thanks for the information. I will definitely look at a fan upgrade. Wouldn't be a bad idea when I drive it into the 100+ degree part of the state. Thanks guys.

 

[shoon]

If your using a concentrated coolant (too much coolant/glycol, not enough water) that can also cause your car to overheat on a hot day. Maybe get your coolant tested.

when your idling your RPM's are down, meaning you will be circulating less coolant... too much glycol will not dissipate heat as much as a 50/50 mix will.

50 water / 50 coolant for Washington climate should be sufficient.

 

[rubydist]

Anywhere in the "normal" part of the gauge is, well, normal. Nothing to worry about. If it climbs above that outside of the "normal" part of the gauge, then you should look for: radiator obstructions, bad temp sensor, or similar that would cause it not to stay cool while not moving.

 

[93rev2sev]

If the fans are kicking off, the temp was lowered enough. Yes, they will kick back on when the engine heats back up.

Make sure the external "fins" on your radiator are not glogged with debris. If you are planning a flush, you might as well remove the radiator, hose it off really good and reinstall it.

 

[itwonder]

The behavior you describe is the same as mine when using the stock thermostat. Try an Autozone Duralast 15878 thermostat, Felpro 35278 seal, Motorcraft RS90 cap. Those changes made the temperature gauge swings much less. Install thermostat with little valve up; the Duralast is a good quality unit.