Running warm...

[NP SHO]

I've noticed over the past week that the SHO is running a little warmer than usual. The needle on the gauge used to sit around the A in "NORMAL" but I've noticed lately it's around the O. The antifreeze in the radiator is full and looks clean, but the overflow canister looks a little low. Could that be it? Maybe time for a new thermostat? This is the first summer I've had the car, so it may be normal, but if not I want to catch it before it becomes a serious problem. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[sperold]

Your reading is nothing to worry about yet.
Thermostat is a good guess. Keep an eye on it and watch for erratic behavior, like going hotter and falling back as everything else stays constant.

 

[NP SHO]

I may change the thermostat anyway just to be on the safe side. It can't hurt, right? lol. Thanks for the input sperold!

 

[itwonder]

Normal reading for Summer driving; just enjoy! Nothing to worry about. Pressure test system and cap if you want to check something.

 

[SHOtime2511]

I'd change the the t-stat if its never been done.
at speed my car sits at about the "A".
Also check the fins of your radiator for crud build up.

 

[NP SHO]

Not sure if the thermostat has ever been done so I think I'm just gonna go ahead and change it this weekend. They have three different opening temps listed: 160, 180, and 195 degrees. Recommendations?

 

[SHOtime2511]

stock 195.

 

[NP SHO]

I should stick with stock?

 

[NP SHO]

If I went with 180, it would open at the lower temperature and keep the engine cooler wouldn't it? Where's the downfall? The car is gonna be stored for the winter, so the heat not blowing as hot wouldn't really be an issue...

 

[NP SHO]

...is this the only issue with going to a lower temp thermostat?

 

[zak]

You are not the only one with a 95 MTX running a litle warm. Begining to think it is either a deteriorated firewall ground strap, or something to do with the ICRM (CCRM) which is uniqe to the 94/95 MTX (but did get redesigned and used on later Tauri). Have a look at this recent thread, see if yours behaves the same way mine does (example, run around with MAX AC on (set the temperature as warm as you can tolerate) what happens to temp? What are your on and off points?:

http://www.shoforum.com/showthread.php?t=110291

 

[SHOtime2511]

One issue of a lower tstat temp is the rich running condition durring the longer warm up time.

 

[NP SHO]

I don't use my A/C because I still have to replace my blend door actuator. When I turn the A/C on, it blows out air hot enough to melt the skin off your face. lol. I don't seem to have any issues with the engine running poorly, but I'll definitely check those things out, and if need be I'll replace the thermostat with the stock 195. Thanks for the feedback guys.

 

[SHOtime2511]

You can get away with a 180 if you would prefer,but I would not recommend it being you live up in NY.

 

[NP SHO]

Nah, I'll stick with the 195. About the firewall ground strap that zak mentioned... Where does that mount to the engine? The firewall side is secure, but the other end is just dangling, not connected to anything. A pic would be great if anyone has one. Thanks guys!

 

[rubydist]

That strap connects to the intake manifold on the engine - the top of the rr intake support bracket is the factory location. if that ground strap is bad/missing, the temp gauge readings can vary all over the place, and in some cases the engine won't even start because of the missing ground.

 

[SHOtime2511]

Yes,these cars a very sensitive to that ground strap being in the proper location(s) and in good condition.

 

[NP SHO]

Is this the stud that I want to connect it to?

 

[SHOtime2511]

yes,that or you can connect it to between the rear bracket that the crossover tube bolts to.

 

[NP SHO]

Thanks. Got that hooked up and did a seafoam treatment in the gas tank and the intake and between all of the above it doesn't stumble anymore when I start it up. Not sure about the temp yet. Haven't really driven it much except to blow the crap out from cleaning the intake. I'll let you know if that problem is all taken care of now. Thanks again guys!