help....running hot

[atl gn]

Ever since I cleaned my engine, my car has been running hot. It went from running at about 160-180 to getting well over 200 at idle. Of the three relays on the drivers fender, I have changed both of the small ones and still the same. I know that the big one is the problem one, but I want to make sure that it is nothing else before I spend 50 bucks on a new one. Can the fan motor or other sensors go bad when they get wet? I cannot tell if the fan is running on high or low, but it is definately running.

Also, if my temp gauge(that is pretty new and should be accurate)shows over 200 degrees and the clt function on the scanmaster reads 185, which one should I go by. Where does the scanmaster get its reading from anyway?

Thanks

 

[JayLashua]

You have two sensors.

One for the ECM, thats where scanmaster gets its data from.

the other is for your idiot light, or where your gauge is connected. There shouldnt be a difference unless the sensor element is next to something *REAL* hot like a header or something? also im not sure if having the tube near anything hot will make a difference, but try making sure its not in the way of anything hot like that..

or you may infact be running hot and your coolant temp sensor is faulty..

ah hell i dont know what im talking about, but you can try it wont hurt anything ;p

 

[atl gn]

it is an aftermarket sending unit that runs to a vdo gauge. It should be pretty accurate.

 

[atl gn]

anybody else have any ideas?

 

[matt87]

who did the new motor? they didnt put a 180 degree stat in not knowing better?

 

[atl gn]

the motor has not been rebuilt, I just cleaned it with degreaser at work. It has a brand new 160 stat in it with a billet neck

 

[Chuck Leeper]

HOT??

You can add a switch to the wire going to the fan temp sensor,[the 1 on top of the intake just under the dr side of the throttle body.] Just run a jumper wire thru a sw. to ground. That will turn on the fan when you close the sw.
Before you turn the fan on, jumper across the ballast on the fan shroud. That will run the fan at high setting. If the car still gets hot, look elsewhere. At 117,000 mi, the rad could be dirty, core fins letting loose,etc.
Also, if you got cleaner on the belt, it could be slipping and the WP speed is down..

 

[Nick Micale]

Originally posted by atl gn
it is an aftermarket sending unit that runs to a vdo gauge. It should be pretty accurate.

That has NOT been my experience, seen VDO sensors off by as much as 30 degrees!

Like Chuck said, suspect the fan not operating properly first.

 

[ONE_QUIK_6]

I personally have trouble with my VDO gauge that reads 20degrees too high. Just my thoughts.

Zak