Coolant Temperature Concerns?

[boarderbob]

Hello everyone. I'm concerned about the operating temperature of my vehicle. Before I go any further I'll give you a little background.

• 2001 Grand Am GT1
• LA1 - at approximately 85,000 miles
• Hypertech PowerStat Thermostat 180F
• Coolant System flushed - at approximately 50,000 miles

When driving under normal conditions (city traffic) the temperature will creep up to roughly 215F. Not until the vehicle is moving at sufficient speed for a few minutes will it begin to cool down to approximately 185F. I've run it idle up to this temperature and the fans are not cutting on. I've not had a problem with overheating in the past.

1. Is this even an issue, or is this normal?
2. If it is an issue, how can I resolve this?

Beyond the scope of the above questions, at what temperature do the fans turn on. Thanks for any help.

[geoffinbc]

Stock fans were between 106*C (222. and 109*C (228.2)

So no you are not reaching the fan threshold. Optimum running temp is 93*C (199.4) at this temp fuel vaporizes properly and the oil is working in its optimal range. However head temperature and sump temperature can be severly hightened under extreme driving.

[boarderbob]

Is there anything I can do to lower the operating temperatures (i.e. better coolant) or will that adversely affect the performance of the engine because of the optimal operating temperature? Thanks.

[19Cutlass94]

If you want lowere temps, you can try a lower t-stat ( Ive never used one so I can not tell you how good this will work ) you could wire a switch to your fan and when you feel its getting to hot, flip the switch and turn the fan on.

The computer is designed so that the engine will not over heat. It will turn both fans on ( I know on my 3100 its 224* for the primary and around 229* for the secondary ) Those temps are safe and will not hurt your engine in any way.

The coolant being 10* cooler will not affect performance of an engine.

[boarderbob]

Thanks for the response. I'm currently utilizing a 180*F thermostat, but I'm not sure what the stock thermostat operates at. I may look into the Casper's High Speed Fan Switch. Does anyone have any experience with this product? Thanks for the help.

[19Cutlass94]

Most OEM t-stats are 195*

[boarderbob]

Thanks very much.

[geoffinbc]

Your wasting money. You wont see a single ounce of performance increase from running it cooler. Nor will you see any improvement in engine life.

Race cars run at 200*F and keep their oil at the same temperature. You should too.

[boarderbob]

I've not spent money on aynthing except the thermostat, so not too much was wasted. That is the reason I was asking, to see if it was feasible. When I referred to better coolant I wasn't simply referring to coolant that better dissipates heat, I was also looking for coolant that may benefit the system in other terms. I understand that the engine is designed to operate at a specific range of temperatures, and that is what I'm trying to stay within. Thanks for the response.

[geoffinbc]

I always use Prestone. Great coolant never has a problem and keeps the system clean. Adding Redline Water Weter will improve performance of a cooling system.

If you live where it does not freeze then use filtered water and redline water weter. This is the best possible formula for cooling system performance.

[boarderbob]

Thanks very much, I'll look into both products. Thank you.