Is my sc2 running too warm?

scolls · 08-04-2007, 01:46 AM

Got a 94 sc2, 1.9 DOHC. Replaced the thermostat, ECTS (Brass one straight from a Saturn Dealer) ECTS connector, and changed the coolant. It's about 85 degrees and the car runs at about 1/2 at 55 MPH with AC on. At stops it tends to creep a little past half. On the freeway at 70 MPH, it's between 1/2 and 3/4, closer to 3/4 after about 10 miles of freeway driving. The fan does kick on. When I shut the AC off, the car cools very very slightly so that must mean the fan is running on the highway, because my logic would tell me if I turn off the AC, and the fan shuts off as well, the car would run warmer. Anyways, is this the normal operating temperature for this car?

Blue00SL2 · 08-04-2007, 01:57 AM

If your cooling system is working properly, the Radiator fan kicks on when the Temp is at the 1/2 point on the Temp Gauge. When the A/C is ON, the Fan runs continuoulsy despite the Temp of the Coolant/Temp Gauge. Typically the Temp/Temp Gauge won't go past the 1/2 mark and if it does, the fan shoulf kick on. If your ECTS is broken or the wires get cut, the fan will run contsantly. Also when driving at high speeds, like over 40mph for a constant period of time, the Temp should go down since the air is being forced through the Radiator.

No, your Temp really shouldn't get to the 3/4 mark.

Could be that your Water Pump is begning to fail or your Ratiator has a slight glog/blockage or your Thermostat is acting up.

scolls · 08-04-2007, 02:08 AM

I just replaced the thermostat yesterday, and the ECTS today. I was getting a service engine light, and the code was that the engine was running to cool. The ECTS took care of that light, and I noticed the engine is running better and has more power. I also replaced the connector.

I noticed the car is missing the air dam underneath. I could try replacing that and see what happens. If that doesn't do it, if I have a reverse flush done, they could tell if I have clog right?

trowa · 08-04-2007, 02:13 AM

I have 94sl2 and my fan does not come on until it is at the 3/4 mark. Everything you have explained in the first post about the Temp when driving on the highway is the same in my car.

I had a problem before when the fan wouldn't come on and it would be very very close to H. I replaced the fan motor and temp sensor and that fixed it.

Nothing is wrong?

Blue00SL2 · 08-04-2007, 02:19 AM

Wow

Cuz my Temp never gets above the 1/2 mark. When it did, it was due to my failing Water Pump.

scolls · 08-04-2007, 02:22 AM

I've also heard that the fan on these cars doesn't kick on till the 3/4 mark. I know my fan turns on with the AC and I don't drive in this weather without AC.

**Ssicarman** · 08-04-2007, 02:50 AM

scolls

Sorry to let you know (and agree with the others here) your engine is running normal temps for the year of the car.

scolls · 08-04-2007, 03:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ssicarman

scolls

Sorry to let you know (and agree with the others here) your engine is running normal temps for the year of the car.

I'd be fine with these temps as long as I knew this car wasn't going to overheat on a long trip.

scolls · 08-04-2007, 05:02 PM

Picked up an air dam from the junkyard for $5. I figure it's worth trying for $5.

If not I'll get a reverse flush and manual fan switch.

scolls · 08-05-2007, 04:30 AM

Well it was 75 degrees, and at 55 MPH it read a little above 1/2. Got on the freeway and it dropped to 1/2 at 70 MPH and stayed there. It used to slightly go up, but it stayed pegged at 1/2.

Tonight it was about 60 degrees, and I was driving with the AC off and it read slightly above 1/2 at 55 MPH.