my engine while ad idle is 180 -190 when on the highway or driving it goes up to 220 or 230 is this normal? 82 pontiac firebird pretty much stock---- carb and distributer non ecm. replaced both.

 

check for vacum leaks and check the tromostat. even with the stock t-stat, only the highway aboutu 60 it runs about 140 -140 range.

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91 camaro RS
- 305 TBI
Mods: Performer TBI intake, 1" TBI spacer, K+N, jet fan switch ,160 thermo,Accel control module, Jet Stage 2 chip, edelbrock TES headers, Compleate 3" Flowmaster exhaust, Edelbrock springs, KYB struts and shocks, 700R4 built by TSI, SLP tq converter, b+m trans cooler, white guage faces, megashifter..
next month: spohn LCA's and panhard rod, BMR relocation brackets, 323 gear, lt1 cam , 350 heads

 

check for leaks in the coolent system as well..

 

To answer the question, no it isn't normal. However, it is also no terribly dangerous as long as that is as high as it goes. Check for proper water pump operation and make sure your air dam is still in place.
bsa

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"If they do not run, Then they will die." - Stonewall Jackson
#3
'87 IROC, 355 TPI, Converted to SD, 700R4, B&M Megashifter, 3.42, Trick Flow Twisted Wedge Heads, Edelbrock Intake, Accel Runners, Comp Cam, Crane Gold rockers, Lucas 24# injectors, Edelbrock headers, Flowmaster 3'' exhaust, Mallory Ignition, Transgo Performance Shift Kit, Corvette Servo, 2,000 Stall Torque Converter

 

Could your radiator hose be collapsing at high engine speeds?

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Big 454 72 Chevy Nova
383 86 Camaro Z28
10.5:1compression Dart Pro 1 Aluminum heads 215cc,234dur.488lift exh&int,Victor Jr. intake, 770 Holley Avenger vac.sec 400 crank,flat top pistons,tranny shift kit,2500 stall converter. 3.42 ,Hooker Headers,2.5inchpipes with 40 s. Flowmasters,MSD coil,MSD module.

 

Odd, mine acts opposite of yours. While driving it runs cooler than the 220 mark, and when sitting idle for too long the temp reaches to about 220 until i start driving again.

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Shouldn't bother putting this but hey what the heck:
1988 Maui Blue Firebird 305 TBI stock (w/ 190,000+ miles and still running strong )

 

I kinda' disagree. Yes it is normal and yes it could be dangerous. Consider a 195° thermostat neither opens nor closes at 195°. It actually opens about 206° and closes at 188° to try and maintain a 195° median.

By design GM calibrates normal operating temp at 1000RPM and 90° C which converts to 194°F. Problem is they usually don't run that cool. Your cooling fan doesn't even come on until 234° so if you never exceeded 230° you would never see cooling fan operation and you would be one of the "lucky ones".

Since this happens on the highway I would check first your airdam since needed air may be rushing by under your car instead of being scooped up from underneath to the radiator by the air dam. Lacking this solution check my site maybe for some other ideas:

http://www.gmtips.com/3rd-degree/dox...overheat-1.htm

 

Your car should ALWAYS run its coolest on the Highway. You appear to be fine in the City, but not the Highway.

I suspect your Air Dam in the front of the car is either damaged or missing. This is generally the most common reason for a car to run hotter on the Highway than the City.

 

The temperature rating of the thermostat is the temperature the thermostat begins to open, it is not and never will be higher than the temp (like 195) aside from production tolerances which are usually +/- 5 degrees F. Fully open and fully closed are 2 entirely different things and it varies depending on the construction of the thermostat.

 

Is your lower front air dam still installed? The radiator takes the air flow from under the car and directs it at the radiator. If it's missing, you'll be missing the additional airflow cooling affect.

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87 IROC 350 TPI with less than 10k original miles
93 Z28 Pace Car #494 of 645
86 Olds 442 (All Original)
My IROC Website
Northstar Camaro Club of Minnesota

 

Madmax,

Until recently I would have agreed. This info is from the GM Tech Manual for my 86 Trans Am. I will get the info verbatim and let you decide your interpretation.

 

Highwind,
Sounds like your system is only operating properly when lots of air is flowing over the radiator. That's why the engine gets hot when it sits. Are you cooling fans operating properly? Don't be insulted but, is the coolant level properly filled. (check by the level in the radiator, not in the overflow canister) Is the water pump operating properly? Is the radiator blocked by debris. Is the radiator really old and i need of replacement? How long since the system has been flushed? Just a few things to think about.
bsa

 

irocbsa it's the other way around. When he sits in traffic the temp is ok it's when he gets at highway speeds that the temp starts to climb.

 

Another thing that comes to mind would be a lean condition. Just something to check and rule out. check your plugs

 

ok there is no air dam on front of car where is a good place to get one bone yard? how much do they cost?

car is in mint shape inside and out mostly stock except wheels new paint and sterio system rocks -- 305 motor th200 piece of tranny timing and carb tweaked a bit. traded a trailor for it 5 years ago. has only 105000 on motor and very rarely comes out of garage. i want a 700r4 tranny of thinking about a modified 350 turbo any suggrstions regarding tranny or a good place to get one would be appreciated.

 

You can call Stant or Robertshaw if you want, I have already talked to a rep from Stant about it in the past. Its easy enough to verify, just throw it on the stove with a thermometer.

82, you have to have the airdam, thats what the problem is for sure. A junkyard should have it, but you have to get one off a Firebird not a Camaro unless you want it to look different and hook up differently.

 

I was referencing my last post to Highwind, he said he was having the opposite problem. i.e. Highwinds temp is fine on the highway but tips the scales at low speed.

bsa

 

Madmax,

You are right. I misread the intention of the test. The 188° to 206° is the operating range of a 195° thermostat.

Sorry guys for the mis-info .....my bad.