2000 Grand am Safe Temperature

[SnipesXxX]

What would be considered the maximum Temperature a 4 cylinder can handle before it's more likely blow a gasket,crack the head,ect?

[grfnkl]

Originally Posted by SnipesXxX

What would be considered the maximum Temperature a 4 cylinder can handle before it's more likely blow a gasket,crack the head,ect?

i personally wouldn't let it get any hotter then about 240, but it depends on which 4 cyl, how many miles and how long you drive it at those temps... etc there are way too many variables. Anything at a higher temperature will cause premature wear and break down of parts.

[SnipesXxX]

Well it is a 2.4L Quad 4 with 141,000 on it. It stays at 200 while driving but creeps to about 220 when idling. It just started getting a little hotter this spring.
It's due for a oil change which I'm gonna do this weekend. Curious can old oil effect the temperature? Thx

[xeroinfinity]

Have you tried flushing the cooling system or replacing the thermostat?

Both should bring those high idle temps down.
You can also switch to a cooler thermostat, 180-185 I cant exactly remember, but it will run A LOT cooler.

Unless you have a bad gasket somewhere causing the high temps.

The PCM commands Low Speed Fans ON under the following conditions:

The engine coolant temperature exceeds approximately 106°C (223°F).
The A/C refrigerant pressure exceeds 1310 kPa (190 psi).
The vehicle is shut off when the engine coolant temperature is greater than 140°C (284°F) and system voltage is more than 12 volts. The fans will stay ON for approximately 3 minutes.

The PCM commands High Speed Fans on under the following conditions:

The engine coolant temperature reaches 110°C (230°F).
The A/C refrigerant pressure exceeds 1655 kPa (240 psi).
When certain DTCs set.

[SnipesXxX]

I was actually gonna have it flushed soon. I'll change the thermostat while I'm at it. So 220 isn't necessarily a dangerous temp but of course a bit cooler the better?

[xeroinfinity]

220 is what most people deal with during the warmer months at idle in traffic.
That is with the 195 deg thermo.

But IMO its to HOTT !
That's why I switched to the 185 deg.
though when its cold I have to use something to cover part of the Radiator to get it to run warmer so I'll have heat.