How hot is too hot? 99 Neon

[Toque]

Hi there!
I'm not sure...I'm not sure when this started, but recently the heat gauge has been hitting just below the half mark. I checked and re-filled the coolent, but it's still doin' the climb. Is that okay? Or should I do something else? When should I start panicking about engine temp?


Thanks!

-jason

[vanhornslv]

hey jason , if your temp gauge is staying below half you should be okay.but if your gauge is fluctuating above the half and then lowers you may want to check out the thermostat it may be sticking.


"if the engine runs hot use your hand to check the temperature of the upper radiator hose if the hose isn't hot ,but the engine is,the thermostat is probably closed,preventing the coolant inside the engine from escaping to the radiator"

[sir_bryan]

neons have a history of sticky thermostats. thats probably it. does it get to about 3/4 gauge then stay there and all of a sudden drop to like a quarter?

[Toque]

Thanks for replying, guys! No, it's not getting any higher than half - it's not even getting to half; like I said, just below half. We took it out for a good ride on the freeway and all today, and it goes slowly up to the , whatever, 45% mark and stays, whether we're going 55 or idling. It used to only go up to like, a quarter. But as long as nothing is in danger of overheating, I'm not going to worry about it until the end of the month (when I get paid and get some checkups done, which I should be doing anyway)

[sir_bryan]

that aint bad the car should be fine dont worry till its at 3/4 or higher.