Operating Temp

[jamack1]

I was woundering if somebody had an answer to this problem. I have a 2001 Chevy Cavalier with a 2.2 motor.
The problem is the engine will not reach operating temp of 180 degrees. If I start the car and let it run in the driveway for about 20minutes it will get to about 170ish. As soon as I start driving it the temp. will fall back. If i continue to drive I can get the operating temp down to about 150ish per scan tool reading. I have replaced the themostat twice on fear of defective from the factory.
The associated problem that come with running the car at a cooler temp. is that the fuel MPG has dropped off.
About 3,000 miles ago I had to replace the coolant pipe that run from the head to the top rad hose. I replaced it with an OEM part, I believe this is when the problem started. Any ideas other that putting a piece of cardboard over the Rad would be a great help.

[TheGeneralLee86]

Originally Posted by jamack1

I was woundering if somebody had an answer to this problem. I have a 2001 Chevy Cavalier with a 2.2 motor.
The problem is the engine will not reach operating temp of 180 degrees. If I start the car and let it run in the driveway for about 20minutes it will get to about 170ish. As soon as I start driving it the temp. will fall back. If i continue to drive I can get the operating temp down to about 150ish per scan tool reading. I have replaced the themostat twice on fear of defective from the factory.
The associated problem that come with running the car at a cooler temp. is that the fuel MPG has dropped off.
About 3,000 miles ago I had to replace the coolant pipe that run from the head to the top rad hose. I replaced it with an OEM part, I believe this is when the problem started. Any ideas other that putting a piece of cardboard over the Rad would be a great help.

I would try running it with radiator cap off and run it untill all the air bubbles come out because I am almost certain there is air in the system because you changed the hose, or did you already air out the coolant?

[jamack1]

Thank you for your reply.
I have run this car in the driveway for about 2hrs., attempting to clear the air out of the system. Cap off no bubbles in tank just wasted time and gas.

[e40water12]

could have a problem with your thermostat. Your temp sending unit isn't work properly. Could have air in the system.

[DeltaP]

Did you turn the heater on full hot when you burped it? The heater core will hold a good amount of air when you refill the system. These engines can be hard to bleed out. It helps to raise the front end of the vehicle too.