Normal operating temp

On my Series II engine, it generally runs at 197-198 F. On my previous Series I engine, it would run around 200 F, but there was more variation. Neither should be running at 220 or 160 F for a steady state. If this is the case, then have the thermostat replaced.

---Bob Gross---

The gauge should go up before the thermostat opens and the fan kicks in because the engine is heating up to operating temp. Do you have a sufficient amount of coolant in the system? Is the radiator cap operating properly? Is the vehicle actually overheating (i.e. Do you have any indication of boling water in the system, like steam coming out through the overfow tube)? You may have a faulty sensor on your gauge or your gauge could be reading incorrecty, they are frequently wrong. Try using a direct reading thermometer that will give you an accurate reading. Failing that, you could have a faulty thermostat. Rich B

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% There are two classes of pedestrians in these days of reckless motor traffic - the quick and the dead. ~ Lord Dewar 1933 ~

Climbing into a hot car is like buckling on a pistol. It is the great equalizer. ~ Henry G. Felsen 1964 ~

I'm suspecting my Montana van is over-heating too. When you guys mentioned

160 degree t-stat, does it mean that's where the temperature should staying at?

I had the gasket problem fixed on the 3.4L and I'm suspecting the engine itself is not doing too good and is over-heating rather than the coolant system is malfunctioning.

Thanks,

Simon

Thermostats Open at the stated tempiture. That does not mean your engine will operate at that tempiture. Yet it should operate cooler. Some Engines, like Chevy Small Blocks in pick ups, will opperate just fine with a 160 degree opening theromostat. In the winter they will still produce enough heat. Other vehicals such as Astro Vans will not produce enough heat in the winter, unless you run at over a constant 3,500 RPMs.

If your van is over heating start with the simple checks. Check to see what tempiture your fan tunrs on at. Make sure it runs untill the proper shut off tempiture.

Make sure the cooliant switch for the fan, as well as the relay are working properly. If they are, go on to have the radiator pressure tested. If the cooling system is holding pressure, and the vehical is still overheating, have the Therostat replaced. Yet do so with the proper direct replacement opening range.

If this does not clear up the over heat issues, have your water pump replaced. Charles