2 Problems: Engine Surges & Overheating Issues

[Sethkj]

I have a '99 Malibu LS with 94,000 miles on it. Right before I bought the car from the dealership, I had them replaced the intake manifold gaskets (My mechanic said it needed to be replace ASAP, other than that, it's a good car). Anyways, now that I've had the car for 2 months, I've noticed that the temperature gauge would slightly go pass the middle mark. Is this something I should be worried about? It only does it when I'm idling at a stoplight or when in park. It doesn't do it all the time. Last night, I was driving and was at an ATM machine, I noticed that the gauge would start to creep up more and more. When I drive on the freeway and start going, it goes back to the middle mark.

Another thing is sometimes when I'm in park, or in drive, the engine would surge ever so lightly. It would do it every 3 second. It has only done it a couple of time. The check engine light hasn't come on or anything. Again, this this something I should be worried about?

Any response is appreciated. Thanks!

[mikept03]

I've had the same problem with the temps running hotter after a gasket repair, and I've seen a few other people with the same problem. Before it was repaired, did you notice if you had oil in your coolant? Mine did, and I'm hoping that its just a little oil left in there thats causing it to run a little hotter. I'm planning in flushing it out myself in a few weeks when I go home, I'll let you know if that makes any difference.

As far as the engine surging, does it do it after the engine has warmed up for awhile? I know mine will do it sometimes when I first start it cold, but usually goes away within 5 minutes or so.

I hope this helps, and if anyone knows more about the high temps, I would greatly appreciate it.

[Sethkj]

Originally Posted by mikept03

I've had the same problem with the temps running hotter after a gasket repair, and I've seen a few other people with the same problem. Before it was repaired, did you notice if you had oil in your coolant? Mine did, and I'm hoping that its just a little oil left in there thats causing it to run a little hotter. I'm planning in flushing it out myself in a few weeks when I go home, I'll let you know if that makes any difference.

As far as the engine surging, does it do it after the engine has warmed up for awhile? I know mine will do it sometimes when I first start it cold, but usually goes away within 5 minutes or so.

I hope this helps, and if anyone knows more about the high temps, I would greatly appreciate it.

Ok whew - didn't know if that was normal or not. Just as long as the temp guage doesn't go up to the red.

The surging, well, used to do it every now and then - but now it does it whenever I'm at a stop light or in idle. The RPM will surge between 900 to 1,000 RPM. It will do it for only 3 seconds in between each surges. It only does it when I'm in "D" (Drive). Comments to help me out is greatly appreciated!

[johnholl]

Originally Posted by Sethkj

The surging, well, used to do it every now and then - but now it does it whenever I'm at a stop light or in idle. The RPM will surge between 900 to 1,000 RPM. It will do it for only 3 seconds in between each surges. It only does it when I'm in "D" (Drive). Comments to help me out is greatly appreciated!

Hook it up to a OBD II code reader while your driving down the road and have a friend in the passengers seat record the codes durring this malfuntion.