2G Temperature overheat?

[p5150]

Hey all - I just bought a 96 GSX for my wife. The problem we have is that the temp gauge reads on the high side, but not necessarially hot. (Just in the top 1/4 of the gauge) Im goiing to change out the t-stat today. Any other suggestions?

Also - this is my first DSM, so where should the temp gauge point normally?

 

[98autogstspyder]

the gauge is normally supposed to point right in the middle or just slightly below the middle when the car is properly warmed up. In addition to switching out the thermostate you may want to buy an aftermarket coolant temperature gauge or get a datalogger that shows what the current coolant temperature is. Also, since you just bought the car you might as well flush the coolant if it hasnt already been done so, clean out the radiator and make sure there are no leaks any where. If the stock gauge is correct and you are running a little hotter than you should be, then you will have some problems when the summer comes, get it checked out and let us know what you did.

Tyler

 

[p5150]

I just pulled the car in the garage and changed the thermostat - it didnt fix the problem. Also, when driving down the road, the temp gauge needs to get nearly to the top of the range before my heat works worth a damn. How common is it for these engines to blow a head gasket? From previous experience, thats what Im about to pin the problem on.

 

[jeremyp15]

I would check to make sure both cooling fans are turning on, I had the same problem with my temperautre and it turned out a fuse had blown and one of the fans didn't start

 

[p5150]

jeremyp15- the fuse looks ok for the fans, and the engine doesnt overheat but it does get very warm. Even when im driving 70 down the highway, it stays the same temperature.

Most recently, ive had an idling issue so I adjusted the idle screw. A bandaid im sure.

I know that sometimes two separate problems can work together to f with people, so im going to itemize. Anybody have an experience with an idle control problem? Ive already checked for vacuum/boost leaks. Does the ISC valve fail on these things frequently? If I can rule all of the simple things out im going to combine symptoms. Thanks!

 

[maxperformance]

My car was on the verge of overheating last night for no reason at all! I need some help to man!