Overheating

Tiny
ZACHFRITCHELL
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 61,431 MILES
Is there a way to reprogram the fans to kick on at a lower temperature? I am worried that it is constantly sitting at 200 when idle that it's going to ruin the engine. I would like the fans to kick on at 195 because I put a 175 valve in and I don't like it getting so hot.
Saturday, May 28th, 2022 AT 4:27 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

The factory operating temperature for this vehicle is 195F-210F, so staying at 200F is well within the range and that is how the fans are set to operate from factory.
There is not any simple solution if you want the fan to turn on earlier as that is the ECM programming.
So, this won't ruin the engine as this is the factory setting.
Installing a cooler thermostat can keep the temperature down but the fan will kick on when it is set to turn on from the factory.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-an-electric-cooling-fan-works

Let me know of any questions.

Thank you.
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Saturday, May 28th, 2022 AT 4:47 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,572 POSTS
As Sean alluded it isn't quite that simple. For instance, running at that lower temperature will also affect the fuel system as the lower temperature will make the ECM think the engine is running cold and increase the fuel mix in the attempt to get it warmer. It will also likely set thermostat codes if it opens too soon as the engine will not reach operating temperature fast enough. Another reason for the higher temperature is to provide better cooling as the higher temperature also creates a higher system pressure so the coolant can fill all the passages in the system and prevent hot spots with the thin wall castings.
To make the PCM operate at the lower temperatures would require remapping the fuel system, timing, and engine controls as well as removing some of the error codes to avoid problems.
As for it doing damage, those engines regularly turn about 200,000 as the 3.8 is one of the better engines.
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Saturday, May 28th, 2022 AT 6:08 PM

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