Running Temp for a Chevy Cavalier

“Yeh, yeh, I know, this isn't exactly backpacking related but I could really use the advice. Plus, I figured, out of everybody, the smart people of TT(ego stroke) would be the best to ask. And I put it under "gear" cause after all, with out a car how would I get to the trail head?

I just test drove a 2000 Chevy Cavalier 4 cylinder. I drove it long enough to get it up to temp and got it up to about 70 mph. The temp. was hovering around 210-215. This seemed a little high to me. Is this too hot for this car?”

“Maybe... maybe not. It really depends.”

“Seems a little high. Usually cars run around the 180-190F range from what I've seen. But I'm not a car expert so that model might run a little warmer.”

“Seems high, but I'm no expert. Thermostat problem? Simple, low cost fix.”

“Thermostats are from 175 to 190. If it was running that hot you would smell it and the radiator would be pukin like a night after too much whiskey...that is if it has any coolant left in it. I would say a broken temp guage but then my pick-up hasn't had a working temp guage for about 5 years and it is a chevy.

Since it was a test drive I would keep looking.”

“Today's cars do tend to run hotter than in years past.
This is to make the anti-smog stuff work better.
I put a 10 degree lower temp thermostat in my Chev truck and I have noticed increased carbon buildup.”

“20 Reasons Why Your Engine May Run Hot



1. A lean air/fuel ratio (also check fuel pump and filter)


2. Too much timing/retarded timing/advance curve malfunction


3. Clogged radiator/collapsed radiator hose (restricted water flow)


4. Clogged engine (restricted water flow)


5. Stuck thermostat/incorrect thermostat


6. Bad water pump


7. Incorrect water pump speed (too slow, too fast)


8. Radiator too thick


9. Wrong-pressure radiator cap


10. No shroud around fan/improper fan position within shroud


11. Bad fan design


12. High-volume or high-pressure oil pump


13. Electric fan (puller or pusher) blocking air flow


14. Too much antifreeze


15. Wrong type antifreeze


16. Wrong spark plugs (i.e., wrong heat range)


17. Wrong gasoline type (try 89 or 92 octane)


18. Clogged catalytic converter


19. Clogged injector system


20. Exhaust getting into the water due to a cracked head or blown head gasket. Have your local radiator shop test your system for carbon dioxide.”

“that's what i was thinking sticks...i'm pretty handy with cars and it very well could be a cheap easy fix...if this was just a car i was getting with cash it might not be so bad but since i'll have to get a loan i'm thinking this might be a little too risky”

“but on the other hand, i have more fingers

i got this response on www.jonko.com , a car version of TT

200-215 farenheit is good, t-stat is a 180 degree one..according to GM system runs between 185 -205 ish...those gauges are not 100 percent accurate

thanks for the info stovie but i'm trying to find out IF it's hot not WHY
last edited: 2/15/06 2:51:56 PM”

“LOL
OK”

“thanks anyway, i have heard of all of those EXCEPT number 16...i didn't know spak plugs could have any bearing on engine temp”

“The cooling fan does not even turn on till temp exceeds 223 deg.
So to answer your question - It's fine

Ps: I work at a chevy dealer for the past 20+ years.”

“I'll check my wife's Cavalier and report back...”

“My 2004 Cavalier (which in my opinion is a piece of crap car) runs at about 195. I checked it tonight.

I've had the fan come on a few times in the summer.
last edited: 2/16/06 6:50:30 PM”