94 Grand am GT running hot

[krislaroche]

Hey my GA 3.1 temp is running at 220 and some times higher just put a new thermostat in and it still runs hot new water pump what can i do to get it to cool down back to running temp? and if it is running hot does that mess with you MPG? Thanks Stump

[GTP Dad]

Make sure the radiator cap is working properly. If it is not holding proper pressure the car can run hot. Also, check the hoses, if you haven't changed them recently as they tend to go bad from the inside out and you may not have noticed a blockage. Also take the radiator loose and clean the debris from between the radiator and the AC condensor. This could be blocking the air from going through the radiator. Make sure you have the proper mix of antifreeze and water this can make a difference.

[krislaroche]

what if i run my car with out a thermostat

[GTP Dad]

Not a good idea, your engine cannot regulate the temperature without a thermostat. You will have no heat in the winter and can easily overheat in the summertime. Also your performance will suffer greatly as the computer depends on temperature readings to control various engine functions such as choke and etc. Also decides when the torque convertor will lock up or not. One other thing, why do you feel that 220 degrees is a bad thing anyway. 220 is not that hot for a car engine. Most cars run a 195 thermostat today and with a pressure cap on your radiator the car should be able to handle 220 easily. Most cars don't even overheat until they reach 250 or 260 degrees anyway.

[krislaroche]

it runs 220 to 235 when the outside temp is 75

[GTP Dad]

Have you checked the fans to make sure they are coming on at the proper temperature? Also, change the temperature sensor as it could be giving you false readings. Finally, make sure you have the right mixture of antifreeze to water, too much antifreeze and it won't cool properly. If none of this works then try one of the new liquid cool down products that promise to lower the water temp. by as much as 40 degrees by improving heat transfer. Good Luck!

[krislaroche]

were is the temp sensor at on a 3.1? and what temp should the fans come on at? thanks stump

[Tom94gaGT]

having the same type of problem, when it start to run hot like this, click on you a/c. when the a/c is on the fan runs constantly at full speed to cool the condensor so it will cool hte radiator too

[dlwdkh]

These cars have a plastic and aluminum radiator that is prone to failure. Have it checked out. Have had to have one replaced after months of aggravating overheating problems. It solved the problem immediately and has been running cool for 30k. It should run you aroung 125 for a radiator and a 100 to put it in. well worth it if you consider the consequences of one time of running it TOO hot.