Running too hot??

[SHOblime]

Lately my SHO (when warmed up) has been around the RM of NORMAL, but in the past couple days it has creeped up to the NO once or twice while sitting in traffic before the thermostat opens and the temp drops. It scares the crap out of me for the gauge to read on the N...too close to HOT for my comfort, especially since the car (in 12k miles) has never done this before. I've replaced the gauge sending unit and the thermostat in the past 5k miles and it's never acted up like this before. The coolant level was okay, I added a bit because it's been a little low in the overflow since the last time it as at the shop they drained it. Anyway, is it okay for the temp gauge to read in the NO part of the gauge before the thermostat opens? I can tell it's opening and the fan is coming on because I can hear the fan around OR and the gauge drops like a rock when the thermostat opens at NO...however it used to stay at RM so I'm a bit confused, especially since it's been COOL not even HOT lately...the car was fine last week in 90*, never reaced the N, just the O at most before the T-stat kicked in. Is my car running too hot?

 

[munkee]

If the t-stat and sending unit were replaced and the fan comes on then everything will probably be just fine. There is probably a little air still in the system which will bleed out over time. Just keep your eye on things. If the overflow is a little low before you start it in the mornings (or when it's cold) then keep topping it off until it stays full after an overnight cooldown. Your problem should be gone then. As long as your fan comes on and the temp drops though you should be all right. Do you know what temp gauge you installed?

 

[SHOZ123]

You should not really be able to tell when the t-stat is opening and closing. What you are seeing is the fan coming on at 215F and shutting off at 210F. Unless your low speed fan is shot and it is only working on high speed, then it would be 230F and 224F. Depends on the year.

 

[DigDeez]

Try using a pre-mixed 50/50 diluted Antifreeze! I've used the cheap stuff from Murray's Auto, and my temp has been great all summer, even on those hot hot humid days!!!