1993 Buick Regal Temperature Concern

MEDASSISTANT

MEMBER
1993 BUICK REGAL
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
258,000 MILES

Just changed the water pump in my 93' Buick Regal with a 3.1 MFI 0-60 engine.

The car also has a NEW thermostat and radiator as well. Also, just changed the oil in the car too using Pennzoil and Fram Oil Filter.

Problem I am having is the temp. Used to run at below 200 but now it gets to 200 and rising to 220 but dropping after getting to 220. Just concerned about the temp change and possible overheating. I have a friend that has a 94' and she changed the water pump in hers and now hers is running at just above 100 all the time and not getting as warm as mine. Spoke to mechanics and they say it is normal for my car to be doing what it is doing. In addition, I inspected the hoses for leaks and possible obstructions by feeling the hoses while warm. Top and bottom radiator hoses are both really hot so I know coolant is circulating correctly while warm.

Radiator cap works well at 16 lbs. Of pressure.

Hope that I installed the water pump correctly but there is only ONE way to install it!

Anyone have any ideas on the temp. Concern? Thanks.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

The t-stat should fully open at 195 degrees, so 220 is higher than I would like to see it. The car should be running around 200. Honestly, I think you got a bad t-stat that isn't opening soon enough.

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Saturday, May 30th, 2009 AT 1:47 PM

MEDASSISTANT

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The thermostat is a brand new thermostat that was put in about 2 months ago or more. I opened the t-stat area and pulled it out and it was opened. The hoses are hot going from the t-stat as well as going from the radiator into the motor. The car has started to cool down some but still runs anywhere from 200 to 220 always now. I just figured it was normal because when it hits 220 it will drop back to 200 again.

Still think it may be my thermostat? Have not tried running the car without it to see because when I pulled the t-stat out it was opened from pressure. Really do not know.

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Saturday, May 30th, 2009 AT 7:58 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Was the engine hot when you removed the t-stat? Pressure shouldn't open it. It should begin to open around 190 degrees and be fully open by 195.

Here are "HOW TO" check a t-stat directions. Honestly, if it drops to 200 soon after reaching 220, you don't have too much to worry about. However, I wouldn't want to see it stay that hi for too long.

Try the check (even though it isn't too old) and let me know what you find.

Joe

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Monday, June 1st, 2009 AT 8:49 AM

MEDASSISTANT

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Thank you for the directions to check the Thermostat. I will get on that right away to make sure it is okay. The temp seems to be doing okay now. It hits 220 and then drops to 200 and sometimes below that fairly soon. When I run the A/C it runs really really cool because of the second fan I suppose. Yes, the thermostat was hot when I opened the compartment. Probably not a good idea.

Off the record, can air get into the brake lines and cause a car not to stop as good as it usually does? Got plenty of brake fluid and brakes were just changed but thought the pads might be really hot or air in the lines earlier today. Thanks.

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Monday, June 1st, 2009 AT 9:30 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Let me know about the t-stat. As far as the brakes, the only way air can get into the system is if it is run low on fluid, one of the bleeders at the calipers or wheel cylenders is opened, or you have a rusted line. What I will tell you is 99% of the time when you feel the brakes are not as good as they once were, the rear brakes are out of adjustment. An easy way to check is to carefully lift the rear tires and safely support the vehicle. Spin the rear tires. If properly adjusted, there will be a slight drag on the tire when you spin it. Normally it will spin maybe one time and stop. That is what you want. If you find they are out of adjustment and continue spinning, let me know and I'll try to explain how to adjust them via the Internet.

Let me know what you need.

Joe