Herbstleyd

Hi
i have a '92 Grand AM V6 3.3l with 192 000 km (120 000miles)
and i think my engine is overheating
i'd like to know what is your engine temperature in your GA 3.3 V6?

the gage look like that

A --- B --- C --- D --- E
40 -- | -- 105 -- | -- 140 Celcius

104 --| --221 -- | -- 284 Fahrenheit

while driving on highway the temperature is stable to B
while driving in city the temperature move between B and C and sometimes it stay much time on C

From wich temperature is there danger for my engine ?

thanks

jimbeam7

As long as you are staying below the "D" you should be fine.
What leads you to believe your car is overheating?
Does it stop running or have coolant boilover?

Herbstleyd

i thinks my car is overheating because ...

1. When i changed the spark plug there was white stuff on the plug (not on the electrode).

2. The big hose in front of the engine isn't hard when the radior is working.

3. Engine heat is going to the point C when idling for a couple of minutes

i try to check the level of coolant but it was hard to see trought this thick plastic

thanks

jimbeam7

Is the "white stuff" on the threads? > Might be anti-cease compound.
As for the Radiator hose not being hard, i would say you need some more fluid. Also note that this condition might be caused by a faulty/loose cap on your overflow tank. Take the cap off (when the engine is cool) and look inside. If you cannot see any green stuff, you'll need more antifreeze. Fill the tank to about 3/4 full or jsut slightly above the line on the outside. Reinstall the cap making certain it is on staight and very snug. Start the car and turn the heater on. Let it run for 10-15 min., making sure to watch the tank to see if the coolant come out from under the cap. If this happens, you will need a new cap. If everything goes without leaking, let the engine cool and repeat until the tank is full.
If this does not help, you might have bad radiator. The restrictive nature of a radiator gone bad will also cause problems like this.

Herbstleyd

i'll take a look at coolant level

what is anti-cease compound ?

thanks

swalt

In the winter, mine runs between A-B (40c) and in warmer weather when idling it will go between B-C, but regular driving A-B. If you have not flushed your cooling system or changed your fluid, I would suggest you do as coolant will break down after two years. Also, take a hose and rinse out your rad. Mine started running a little warm last summer and a simple cleaning of the fins on the front and back of the rad returned everything to normal. Make sure your fan is also comes on to ensure it cools when it needs to. If it doesn't, your fan is either faulty, your coolant sensor is faulty, or the fuse is gone.

As far as antiseize, it is used on the threads of the plug to stop them from seizing in the head, making removal easier. If your plug is a grayish tan to white colour, that is normal. Use this as a guide. http://www.bullittarchive.com/Mainte...g_Spark_Plugs/

Herbstleyd

i was missing coolant
so i add almost 1.5l (0.40 gal) is this a lot for the rad ?
how much fluid can go in a rad ?

i'll take a look at the temp in the next day to see if there's change.

Note. i didn't see the fan start when i let my engine idling

thanks

swalt

1.5L is quite a bit to be down. I think the system holds about 13L total(50/50 mix of coolant and water), but don't quote me on it. I just remember having to buy two 4L jugs each time I have flushed it and after I mix them, I'm left with about a half jug or so. Since you are in Canada (as am I) yoiu may not get the fan to come on right now given the low temperatures. Just keep an eye on your guage and the fan when the weather gets warmer.

Herbstleyd

what mean "is quite a bit to be down" ?

thanks

swalt

All I was saying is if you had to add 1.5 litres of coolant, you must have a leak somewhere. Cooling systems are sealed and should not lose coolant.

Herbstleyd

ok my english i not so good (im from quebec)
i saw that there was a little leak near the coolant cover .. there is a little hose on the top and maybe i loose some from the cover, i'll check in a couple of day to see where is the coolant level

when i add coolant, should i fill it to the max that i can ?

swalt

Nope, just fill to the line indicated on the side of the reservoir. If you overfill it will leak out.

Herbstleyd

when i look on the reservoir i see the indicated line but i dont see the fluid who's in, the reservoir is too thick or dirty loll

swalt

Shine a flashlight directly against the side of the reservoir and you should be able to see the level. They made the reservoirs out of a white plastic and it discolours after many years.