normal temperature?

[RGuy]

When I bought the car last weekend, I noticed that if I ran the AC continuously while driving on the highway, the temperature would read at the "hot" end of the Normal range. (This was during the heat of the day in Texas.) I had to turn the AC off to keep from getting into the RED. When I got home, I swapped to a 180 thermostat. This has helped for the most part and it usually reads on the "M" (NORMAL) with the AC on. However, last night I took the car out to blow the carbon out of the engine. The AC was off and after a few blasts down the road the temperature quickly rose to the "O" (NORMAL)

I wouldn't think this is normal. Is it? The previous owner replaced the radiator so I wouldn't think that's the problem.

Rob

 

[sdpatt]

That is higher than it should be, but you need to measure the temperature at the thermostat housing, both upstream and downstream of the thermostat, with an external temperature device to see what the temperature really is. Just because the radiator was replaced doesn't mean that it isn't the problem. Is the radiator fan running when the A/C is on? When the temperature is above "R" or "M"? What coolant is in the system? Check the radiator cap to make sure it is allowing the pressure to rise to 15-16(?) psig.

If the water pump is spinning, it is pumping. The heat sink problems are from low coolant levels, lower than designed operating pressure, a plugged, corroded or smaller than OEM radiator, non-fully opening thermostat or foaming fluid (from flush that hasn't been cleaned out).

 

[RGuy]

Since you're subject to the Texas heat too, where does your temp. gauge read while cruising with th AC on?

Thanks.

Rob

 

[Mike Kopstain]

RGuy:
Since you're subject to the Texas heat too, where does your temp. gauge read while cruising with th AC on?

Thanks.

Rob

This is something you really can't compare from car to car. You can have two cars both idleing at 180 degrees and one will read "R" on the gauge and the other will read "L". Those gauges are not accurate at all.

Generally while driving at street speeds (not highway), leaving the A/C on will kick my car down to about 180 degrees from 200. The fans really help. You might check to make sure your fans are operating. Turn on your A/C and a fan should come on within 30 seconds and stay on until you go above 70mph, IIRC.

 

[haydenm315]

Mikeys_Taurus

Generally while driving at street speeds (not highway), leaving the A/C on will kick my car down to about 180 degrees from 200. The fans really help. You might check to make sure your fans are operating. Turn on your A/C and a fan should come on within 30 seconds and stay on until you go above 70mph, IIRC.

My car runs cooler with the A/C on. The gauge usually sits around M, but it has risen to O for a little while if it's in the 90's or above.