Running Hot

I have a 99 3400 and in traffic the temp gauge rises to about the 3/4 mark. Does anyone have this problem or is it normal? During normal driving conditions it stays around the halfway mark. Also should I look into a low temp thermostat? Thanks for any help you can give.

[FormulaNERD]

sounds like you need a radiator flush...

No, that's normal. It shouldn't be going into the red, but it's normal to go up around 3/4.

Another thing, is were are you from, if you live in Phoenix or Vegas, that should be something that you are used to in city traffic.

My experience
2000 3400 coupe
95 degrees with the AC on, dead stop traffic, temp gauge is slightly above half.
80 degees without AC, dead stop or any temp moving, slightly below half. Coolant was flushed 2K miles ago when LIM was replaced.
Before flush, 85 degrees, no AC, gauge just below 3/4
Get it flushed, man, yer not runnin optimal.

[Redog]

I have the Hypertech thromo in my car. usually stays a little under half, if it's really hot it will go above 1/2 just a bit.

Don't get a "flush" just drain the rad and run clean water thru to get out all the crap. Then close (or hook) it back up and refill with new dexcool. You can buy it premixed now

thanks guys I'll try the flush and see if that helps

Just to be sure make sure your fans are working too!

[sound_xtreme]

new thermostat, new water pump, and flushed system and mine never gets much past halfway now.

I tried what Redog said to save money. I drained the coolant and ran clean water through until there was no more color in what was coming out. Hopefully this fixes the problem. I'll put another post to say if it worked.

[smokinAMD]

Meh, I had mine flushed really good and I converted it from dexcool to normal antifreeze. Dexcool sucks.

Originally posted by Redog@Sep 3 2004, 07:50 AM
I have the Hypertech thromo in my car. usually stays a little under half, if it's really hot it will go above 1/2 just a bit.

Don't get a "flush" just drain the rad and run clean water thru to get out all the crap. Then close (or hook) it back up and refill with new dexcool. You can buy it premixed now

that is a "flush" only thing thats missing is the collection of old antifreeze

get teh dex cool out dude, that poop is bad news. run water throught the block adn the radiator untill it runs out clear then put 50/50 mix of glycol (green) back in.

Two other things to think of that maybe (repeat MAYBE) is causing your car to run "hot":

- do you run premium fuel? It has a higher flash point and burns "hotter"
- where you running at high speed and the went to slower city traffic? It does take awhile for the heat generated by extending running at higher RPM's to dissipate.

Both these scenarios occured on mine. And for the premium doesn't do anything different crowd, you're right. BUT, Shell was running a discount program in my area on it's new premium blend with 5x the engine cleaning additives. Price worked out to be the same as regular so no loss and a slight gain in smoother idle!