Car running hot when idle

Tiny
BRITTANY ROBINSON
  • MEMBER
  • CHEVROLET CAVALIER
2000 Chevy Cavalier, 136,000mi, 4 cyl, 2.4 liter
When the car is idle, it runs hotter than usual, while driving it dips back down to average temperature. What do you think may be the cause?
Thursday, September 27th, 2007 AT 8:34 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Could be the thermostat-check this out 1st and comeback.

Fan Clutch or Electric fan?
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Friday, September 28th, 2007 AT 2:33 AM
Tiny
BRITTANY ROBINSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Also a few days ago my check engine light came on. I went to meineke and they say it was because my gas cap wasn't tighten so they reset it. The light came back on recently. Could this have anything to do with the car running warm?
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Saturday, September 29th, 2007 AT 12:15 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Fuel vapors has nothing to do with engine temperature.

Get the engine block and pressure tested this will tell you something if there's leakage internally in the engine. Also pressure test the radiator cap.

If its still doing that-might be air lock in the cooling system get it bleed out.

Always bleed air from cooling system after replacing coolant. Set heater for maximum heat. Remove radiator cap. Loosen drain plug and remove drain bolt (if equipped) from engine block. Drain coolant reservoir. Fill coolant reservoir to MAX mark with 50/50 water-coolant mixture. Loosen bleed bolt and fill radiator up to base of filler neck. Close bleed bolt when coolant flows out without bubbles. Tighten bleed bolt. With radiator cap removed, start and operate engine to normal operating temperature. Add coolant if necessary and check for leaks
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Saturday, September 29th, 2007 AT 12:54 PM

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