96 RT/10 Engine Temps

[Tomer]

My service manual says that its normal for my engine to run hotter than 190, and that normal travel on the temp gauge is up to 5/8 needle travel (~ 2 o'clock)...

If I am sitting at idle and its hot out, with the fan on, it seems the temp will not return to 190...It will at best get to the tick above 190 (approx 1 o'clock)...

For some reason this makes me uncomfortable...Should I opt for a better fan, or the 180 degree thermostat? Of maybe just flush the cooling system and add new coolant and forgetaboutit???

Tomer

 

[Tomer]

Bump

 

[CAP]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by tomer:
flush the cooling system and add new coolant and forgetaboutit.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sounds like good advice. '96 was as you described, '01 pretty much the same - maybe a little cooler overall.

 

[99 R/T 10]

Hey Tomer,
Mine hs the burping kit installed and my car runs fairly cool(been driving mostly in the winter), but pretty much as you described. I would like to see how a 18o degree thermo would do, but most say it won't help unless you get the larger radiator. When my fan comes on, the temp does go back to 190. I can actually see where the thermostat opens and closes, because it cycles from the middle line to the next line above and back. I feel safe where it goes as long as it doesn't hit the red.

Mike

 

[Tiepilot]

My '96 runs in the factory temp range a bit over 190 but it hasn't gone much above that (as in over 200). Today it was in the 80's and while in traffic I watch it carefully. I have yet to be alarmed to the point of pulling over.
The 180 thermo isn't going to help you, actually the car needs to run in the high 190's for efficient emissions operation, so don't panic about how your running.
Do a search for threads regarding the 180 thermo and you will see what I'm referring to concerning disappointing results with a lower temp thermo unit. Try using DEXCOOL and you'll get good results.
Cheers

 

[JonB]

Maintenance: BURP IT and be sure the radiator fins are clean.

Larger Fan brings the temp down FAST.

T-stat not worth the effort really.

Speedworks Air Bleeders a big help to heep it burped. Cheap. Easy.

 

[SteveMat]

My 97 GTS (with an upgraded 98/99 fan and Belanger headers) bounces around constantly no matter what the outside tempature is. It made me worried at first but everyone I talk to says it is normall (as long as you don't go into the red). Warms up to 190, if I am cruising @ 55MPH or so the needle stays roughly @ 190 and the 1 o'clock tick. If am idling (or sitting in traffic), the needle goes up to the two o'clock position, fan kicks on, drops to the second tick @ 1 o'clock and then repeats.

I don't worry about it anymore...

 

[Tomer]

THanks all...I think I don't have anything to worry about from all of your experiences...

Regarding the burping, my areation pressure bottled (accessible under hood) is full right to the bottom of the cap (I checked it cold...I could not see the level in the actual overflow bottle unless I remove the wheel)...

If my pressure bottle is that full, does that mean there can't be trapped air in the system?

I might investigate the fan approach just for peace of mind (aka call JonB!!!)

Tomer
96 RT/10 Complete with integrated garage door opener
(man was soldering wires onto my garage door opener a PITA...)

 

[Ulysses]

tomer said:
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>If my pressure bottle is that full, does that mean there can't be trapped air in the system?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Nope. You can still have trapped air in the system.

 

[genXgts]

Make sure to check the lower fascia bottle behind the right side foglight as well, pop off a 3 inch rubber plug in front of the right front wheel and poke a Maglite in there and look at the slit in the wheelwell and see if anything is in there, there should be!!

Just bought my 1997 and the previous owner had no idea that there even was one down there, and am having all sorts of cooling issues now (leaks), sure it's related to lack of fluid (and therefore air) in the system.

Thinking a 96 RT should be the same, although that is the infamous GEN1.5 motor correct? 415 horse? the above may not apply?

 

[Tomer]

The above does apply...My 96 RT is the infamous Gen 1.5, but really all that you listed is the same....So as long as there is some liquid in the actual overflow bottle then I am OK? Meaning there is then NO air trapped in the cooling system? I am gonna pull the front wheel this weekend to get a good view of that
bottle in front of the wheel...

Tomer