Cooling Issues...

DonnelsonM · 09-16-2002, 03:12 PM

Hi guys...
I'm new here, just ready thru a lot of posts. Anyway, on to the problem. My wife has a '94 SC2 DOHC. About 3 weeks ago, it started APPEARING to get really hot. So, I changed the thermostat. Still getting warm. Then I changed the Temperature sending unit, thinking the gauge was giving off a false reading. Wrong again, still getting hot. So, I took it to my local mechanic. He hooked it up to a "thermometer" (I don't know what it's really called.) It appears that the Temp gauge is giving off bad readings...When the temp gauge is at the 3/4 mark, the cooling fan is just kicking on...and it's only 220 degrees, which should be at the MIDDLE on the gauge. So, am I going to have to replace the WHOLE gauge cluster? Or can I just bolt up a little aftermarket gauge? Does anyone know of a good one? Thanks
Mark

Yobos4vr · 09-16-2002, 04:19 PM

check with the dealer about the temp in relation to gauge readings. saturn gauges were set up weird and alot of people thought the car was overheating when in fact it was normal..so many that they recalibrated the gauges to reflect that. another thing to check, make sure under the front of your car all the plastic deflector's are still there. if those went missing or damaged it can cause a raise in temp's.

DonnelsonM · 09-16-2002, 05:04 PM

Wow, I had NO idea that made a difference. They ARE gone-she hit a curb and they were dragging, so I took them off. Hmmm...interesting. They are all torn up...can they be bought at the saturn dealer?

Yobos4vr · 09-16-2002, 05:17 PM

yep but last time i heard they are pricey wanna say $200(not sure ask first). ya they make a difference, the front is pretty restrictive and those direct air up onto the radiator to cool it.

SC2_GT · 09-16-2002, 06:01 PM

Contact Joey at 6th planet. he can get you one for less than that.

DonnelsonM · 09-16-2002, 08:37 PM

And how do I get in touch with him?

Yobos4vr · 09-16-2002, 08:40 PM

lol make a post called hey joey, or www.6thplanetusedparts.com

aL93sc2 · 09-16-2002, 10:01 PM

i had the same problem man, i just ended up rewiring the coolin fan to stay on, it still stays 3/4 temp, i'm gonna get a temp pod so i can keep track of it, i have a 93sc2
only bad thing about the gauges being off is that it will cut your AC off

OX · 09-17-2002, 02:27 AM

If you are still concerned about the gauge readings after you reinstall the air deflector, I would recommend Autometer.

They have a full line of products that can monitor your engine accurately. I use them exclusively in my car to monitor my engine as well as my nitrous and fuel pressure.

ShtNgiT · 10-25-2002, 03:57 AM

actually saturn engines run very cool compared to other cars. when it reads hot it is actually running quite cool. when it gets to the point of of hitting the red mark, the fan should turn on. And it usually does but also with a trick that I know of? If it is getting hot, just flick your AC on really quick (about 5 secs) and turn it off, this will kick your fan on to cool the load on the engine.