ok so when i start my car my temp read out goes straight to 260 or whatever and stays up there the whole time i drive... and sometimes drops like 10-20 degreees when i shift and then will climbs back up, now i know the engine is not that hot also my gas milage sucks monkey *****...seriously...could the air filter affect the milage??? so if someone could tell me whats up with my car that would be apprechiated :hail: .

 

An air filter can affect your gas milage, but I wouldn't think it would be very significant unless it gets really bad. If its dirty though, get a new one, if you want your car to last and work well you need to take care of it you know
As far as the temperature i'm not really sure about that one, the sensor for the temperature could be shot, but i'm sure there are other possibilities.

 

yea, i'm wondering if the temp sensor being shot would tell the computer to make adjustments or whatever regarding the crappy mileage. i think they're pretty cheap to replace, so even if it's not the problem then you didn't lose any money. maybe the thermostat isn't opening all the way maybe your air dam is broken, or gone. maybe too high a mix of antifreeze with water? just a couple ideas

 

Well, he says as soon as he starts his car its going up that high, which means he isn't actually overheating, his guage is just screwed up, or maybe both.

 

Is the temp sensor by the # 1 spark plug connected? My wire fell off once and created a similar problem.

 

If the computer is smart, then I imagine it would. Hot engine temp....the computer might richen the fuel mixture in an attempt to cool the cylinders. Cause we all know lean is hot and rich is cool.

Although the computer uses a different sensor than the gauge operates on...so most likely there isnt a connection

 

yea, being rich is cool , but i wouldn't know

 

sounds like temp sensor to me. Not sure where yours is located for a V-6. Mines on the intake torwards front of motor on TBI. The one on the side of the block that someone else mentioned is for your fans and is not effected by the temp sensor. However the computer does make fuel/air adjustments based on readings from the coolant temp sensor.

 

not too sure, but i think mine is plugged into the intake manifold near/around the thermostat. a haynes manual would probably tell you where it is.