FAQ: Engine Coolant Temperature & Fan Turn-On

The temperature in Phoenix yesterday was 95. On my drive home the temp gauge never went over 185-190, this was with the A/C blasting. I would say that the 180 thermostat I put in was a good mod.

That's right within correct operating range, and I'm surprised it didn't go higher than that. Check again when you are sitting idle. Anything below 200ºF is acceptable, imo.

AA wrote:

Anything below 200ºF is acceptable, imo.

I agree. Up to 200 it's normal.


OFF TOPIC

95F … there is makes me hideously envious! Today is 37F in Moscow …
Btw, I am with question again Somebody knows how switch my climate from Fahrenheit to centigrade degrees? The standard in Russia is Celsius.

If you could find a gauge cluster with metric values (prob in Canada), it could replace your standard version. Might be the PCMs are the same for both. In that case, you could keep yours. Or might be there is a special PCM for metric... that's the part I'm not sure of. If so, you'd need to switch your PCM for a metric one.

We have some Canadian members here; maybe one of them will know.

AA wrote:

If you could find a gauge cluster with metric values (prob in Canada), it could replace your standard version. Might be the PCMs are the same, or might be there is a special one for metric... that's the part I'm not sure of.

In any case, with ore without PCM ... it's unreal to find metric gauge claster in Russia there's nothing to be done, OK will count

96riv wrote:

The temperature in Phoenix yesterday was 95. On my drive home the temp gauge never went over 185-190, this was with the A/C blasting. I would say that the 180 thermostat I put in was a good mod.

do your fans turn on when the a/c is on? my 96' does that and i wasn't sure if it was a 96 thing or just mine

Quote :

From what I know, Rivs bound for Canada were gauged in metric,
those in the states were standard. Not sure if the PCMs were different,
but if you switched, that would be an important factor

One
thing I always thought was weird about the riv is that it stays in
metric, no matter what, whereas my girlfriend's 98 regal GS has a
button to switch between imperial and metric. This applies to mileage,
temperature, MPG (which in metric is a weird litres/100 km) and even
boost gauge (kPa in metric).


I can clearly see the "F" in
the riviera's climate control display, it's just not illuminated.
Also, the odometer "cluster" is the same. So I suspect it has
something to do with the PCM. Maybe the shop manual has
more info...

Jason - your girlfriend is lucky!

About "shop manual" - if you have it, please look it thru. Thanks in advance

"Jason - your girlfriend is lucky!"

I think Jason's the lucky one. Check the forums for pics.

AA wrote:

"Jason - your girlfriend is lucky!"

I think Jason's the lucky one. Check the forums for pics.

https://rivperformance.editboard.com/Discussion-c4/Everything-Else-f9/WHERES-THE-LADIES-t296-0.htm

THATS THE link to see JASONS GF the 4th reply down LOL

98riviera98 wrote:

AA wrote:

"Jason - your girlfriend is lucky!"

I think Jason's the lucky one. Check the forums for pics.

https://rivperformance.editboard.com/Discussion-c4/Everything-Else-f9/WHERES-THE-LADIES-t296-0.htm

THATS THE link to see JASONS GF the 4th reply down LOL

Ohhh ... I see!! Pin-up and very hot!

My cogratulations to Lucky One

Thanks guys.



Silver, I'll check out the shop manual when I get home, in early May.

Jason, ok. I'll remind you

Mr.Riviera wrote:

96riv wrote:

The temperature in Phoenix yesterday was 95. On my drive home the temp gauge never went over 185-190, this was with the A/C blasting. I would say that the 180 thermostat I put in was a good mod.

do your fans turn on when the a/c is on? my 96' does that and i wasn't sure if it was a 96 thing or just mine

Yes as soon as A/C is turned on.

AA wrote:

That's right within correct operating range, and I'm surprised it didn't go higher than that. Check again when you are sitting idle. Anything below 200ºF is acceptable, imo.

At idle it is 195-200

If you ever decide to reprogram or swap the PCM, the fan control settings will keep your temps below 190ºF (mine are usually below 185ºF) at all times, even when sitting in 100ºF heat.


But for less than $10, just replacing the t-stat has gotten you most of the way there.

AA wrote:

That's right within correct operating range, and I'm surprised it didn't go higher than that. Check again when you are sitting idle. Anything below 200ºF is acceptable, imo.

I'm at 200ºF or above (bumper to bumper idle up to 210-220).

quote: "I'm at 200ºF or above (bumper to bumper idle up to 210-220)."

For normal driving, that's fine. 220 is a bit warm, though. I wouldn't feel comfortable going WOT at that temp. But your engine is different, so probably okay.

Still, If you plan to drive it harder, especially in hot weather, might be a good thing to replace with a 180º t-stat, even in the L36 N/A.

my fans dont turn on till a/b 210* and that with the 180* thermostat, but the thermostat will open at a/b 190 whats the deal with the fan ???

The fans are the problem. They're controlled by the PCM, and changing the t-stat doesn't change the fan turn-on temp. The result with a 180º is lower temps while cruising, but when idle, the temps still get hot.

A reprogrammed PCM will lower the fan turn-on temp.

well will it cause any problems the way it is?

No problem. You'll run cooler when you're moving, same as before when you're sitting.

I imagine the 180 tstat will only help as it may take a bit longer to reach 200 when still as apposed to a 195 tstat.

more water and less coolant(60/40), water weter, 180*, no engine cover and fans that both turn on with the a/c keep me at 185 even in long lines on hot days.
from what i have gathered only the 96's have the fans w/ac option but all the others will help you keep cool and your engine will last longer and run better.

I have been having a problem with my coolant temperatures for a while now. My coolant temperatures go from 200 to about 210 and then the high speed fans kick on and cool it back down. It then repeats the cycle again. When I am driving it still hovers between 200 and 210. It goes pretty slow from 200 to 210. The coolant and thermostat has been changed. I am running the stock temperature thermostat. Could it be a problem with the low speed on my cooling fans or is it the radiator? Should I test the relays?