1993 SL1 w/ 220,000 miles temp gage rising

BARREL

MEMBER
1993 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS

My temp gage has been rising since the weather has gotten warmer. The previous owner said he replaced the thermostat recently and I purchased the car in November 2006. I have not run the AC at all yet and the temp gage usually sat at the 1/4 mark during the cooler months. The car has not has any visual antifreeze boil over but I did have to top off the antifreeze a couple weeks ago and there was no change in the temp gage effect. When the temp rises, the car idles lower than usual. What should I be looking at?

Tuesday, May 8th, 2007 AT 3:06 PM

3 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Does the cooling fan come on? Sounds like the previous owner installed a lower than called for t-stat. Have a 195 degree t-stat installed and go from there.

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Tuesday, May 8th, 2007 AT 3:29 PM

PEPPERMRJ

MECHANIC
1,158 POSTS

Hey BARREL,

Just to give you some reference, my 96 satty runs close to the 1/2 mark most of the time. The cooling fan will come on at about 3/4 and shut off a little before it gets down to 1/2.

Keep an eye on the coolant level and watch for any signs of overheating.

Good luck and let us know. :)
peppermrj

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Tuesday, May 8th, 2007 AT 11:58 PM

BARREL

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Would I be able to use my AC without problems at this time with my temperature issues or would you all suggest I wait until I change the t-stat to the 195 degree one?

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Thursday, May 10th, 2007 AT 9:08 AM