2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette Runs Hot

2000 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS
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GATOR5220
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2000 silhouette van seems to be running hot or I'm going nuts. Had this van since 2001 and never noticed temp gage go higher than 1/4 mark,now at standstill it goes uo past 3/4 mark but not to red. Per your forum and my Haynes manual did the following. Temp at cold 80* hot 210* Upper hose gets hots hot after 4-5 min. Fans don't come on till 200* then it falls back between 1/4 and 1/2 marks. Fans come on with A/C and it stays at 1/4. Can see coolent moving with cap off. Ck'd temp sensor per book ok. Swapped fan relays. Flushed 3 times an refilled 50/50 mix Dex with bleeders open. No sludge or sweet smell at oil filler. No sign of coolent loss. Does this sound normal and just someting I haven't noticed for 5 years or do I need new glasses
Dec 29, 2006 at 12:30 PM
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MATHIASO
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So there is no sign of coolant loss, either no intern or extern leak ,No sludge or sweet smell at oil filler.
mmm!! , but Fans don't come on till 200*
A cooling system needs a way to turn the radiator fan on og off as it's needed.
This function is usually performed by a coolant temperature switch. A coolant temperature switch is temperature controlled , so the switch is mounted somewhere in the cooling system where it's directely exposed to the coolant
The switch could be mounted anywhere in the system, check it out in your Haynes manual . that could help you.
Dec 29, 2006 at 3:03 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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If the t-stat is 195*, i would think the cooling fan would come of at 210* or so, wouldn't it?

Not trying to pick a fight, just learn somthin :)

I know these are common for intake leaks, but short of a high but ok temp reading it doesn't seem evident.
Dec 29, 2006 at 3:11 PM
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2CARPRO JACK
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Definitly check the intake closely for leaks.Might be a small enough leak that it dries from engine heat before you see it.Done more intakes on those than i care to talk about.Also that vehicle doesnt have a fan switch per say.The PCM turns it on and off through the coolant sensor reading.Fan at 210 is about right.
Dec 30, 2006 at 12:43 AM
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GATOR5220
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The temp sensor checks ok ohm wise per haynes.
Waiting on Blackstone oil diag kit to send in a sample for analysis for possible water.
What is the feeling on keep using dexcool after 100K
miles or should I have switched to what?
Jan 6, 2007 at 11:57 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Hi gator5220,
I have had a heck of a time to decide the "right" way to handle the coolant issue. 8) I spent considerable time to try to understand the how and whys. Conflicting results :?
Between the engineering, marketing and illusions the answer is difficult.
I would either stay with dex-cool or a long life coolant if it were mine, as it came with it. If you add anything else, it will become the lower common denomenator. If so, stay with that.

Looking forward to what becomes of your situation :)
Jan 6, 2007 at 12:15 PM

Suggested Repair

Closely inspect the intake manifold for small coolant leaks that can dry from engine heat before becoming visible; these vans are known for intake leaks. Fan activation near 210 F is about normal because the PCM controls the fans from the coolant temperature sensor. Continue using Dex-Cool or an equivalent long-life coolant and do not mix coolant types.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette with about 101,000 miles reports the temperature gauge rising past 3/4 at idle, then dropping after the fans come on around 200 F. Sensor, relay, flush, and leak checks showed no coolant loss or oil contamination, and the fans also run with the A/C. Experts say fan-on near 210 F is about right and recommend a close intake inspection for small leaks. They also advise staying with Dex-Cool or long-life coolant.

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