what in the hell is wrong with my radiator

[Pontiac Racer]

if you drive the car normally it won't get up to temp it'll get halfway about but when you park it and leave it idle it'll get up to temp or pretty close. why? its winter if that helps but i don't think it matters. thanks

 

[VinnieGTP]

Sounds more thermostat then radiator. What one are you running and how old/many miles is it?

 

[Pontiac Racer]

its the original thermo with 121xxx miles

 

[Scottydoggs]

its winter. and they all rise when in park sitting after a while, then drop when moving. sounds kinda normal to me.

 

[markpa]

Yes. Normal. My gauge like to hang at the 1/4 mark while moving.


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[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

First big line is roughly 195º anyway, factory gauge is terrible as telling correct temps.

 

[koRnhead]

Nothing is wrong with your car....its called winter, colder air means colder engine temps, or increased warm up time.

 

[stocker]

I would still argue this could be your thermostat. If it were stuck partially open or fully open, at idle the lack of airflow through the radiator would allow the engine temp to rise. At highway speed, the radiator and a stuck thermostat could create an overly cooled engine.

Sure, engines tend to run cooler in the winter and hotter in the summer but over an extended period of driving at any reasonable air temperature, your thermostat should be able to get your engine to the correct operating temp (assuming you are keeping a relatively similar speed).

I'd change the thermostat and check your coolant safe temperature.

 

[VinnieGTP]

I would still argue this could be your thermostat. If it were stuck partially open or fully open, at idle the lack of airflow through the radiator would allow the engine temp to rise. At highway speed, the radiator and a stuck thermostat could create an overly cooled engine.

Sure, engines tend to run cooler in the winter and hotter in the summer but over an extended period of driving at any reasonable air temperature, your thermostat should be able to get your engine to the correct operating temp (assuming you are keeping a relatively similar speed).

I'd change the thermostat and check your coolant safe temperature.

This. It's too cheap and easy not to try.

 

[jimzssei]

My Bonnie runs at 200 when it's below freezing out there. A fresh T,stat made sure of that.