overheating?

Hi sorry for asking such a basic question but I just recently bought a 98 Cavalier automatic, and it seems to run hotter than other vehicles Ive owned. Im particularly paranoid because the dealership that sold it didnt prep it properly and it did overheat once. When I brought it to the garage Ive gone to for years, they flushed the coolant, because the coolant system was quite dirty, apparently the Dexcool had turned to sludge. Anyways, it heats up slowly which is fine but the needle peaks a little past halfway, maybe 3 needles-width right of center. I know it doesnt sound like much but any other car Ive owned seems to run left of center not right of center. Is this something I should worry about?

yeah.. you should fix it asap.. my shit was doin that and its been costin me to keep it runnin.. instead of fixing it right

thought of dropping in a new thermostat yet?

thought of dropping in a new thermostat yet?


Been around a few Cavs and have yet to see a temp match across the lot. I too would look at a new stat right off, and consider getting the kind that auto-open on fail as a precaution. I hear there are some hi-flow types available also. That might bring temps down some. I've just replaced a rad on one of my 94s and for the past few morns I noticed it needs a little coolant each time till the air gets purged from the system.
As for the temp gauge, mine too is slightly above half up, so I'm keeping an eye on it in case the cooling fan is lazy or a bad connection/temp sensor.

Tookie

Just change the thermostat. I had the same problem

Hmm... completely normal for my car :)