so i replaced my thermostat from stock 195 to 160 and now i have an over heating problem (only in hot weather 80º N up). my temp gauge reads just above 210 and it will shut down for about a half hr after 45 mins of driving . the pump is newish n the radiator is brand new. if im not mistaken a lower temp will only allow the engine to cool sooner? is it possible that the lower temp does not allow enough flow through it. i know its not a head problem due to the simple coolant color. what other issues could i be looking at. i already plan to swap the thermostat being that its only $10. plus my own labor. on top of that my secondary electirc had the wires ripped out n im gonna be replacing that aswell. but i cant imagine that fan draws enough air to make that much of a difference on short trips. i may solve my problem when i replace them both but i just wanted extra input on what else i could look at.

 

Same issue prior to going to a 160 and is your coolant/water mixture correct? fans working correctly? Seems to me you coolant temp maybe lower due to fact its moving more often but also not absorbing the heat from the block. I would check my mix and go back to the correct temp thermostat.

 

so i replaced the thermostat and installed new fan. ran fine for about 45 with temps sitting happily around 210. but it just shut off then at a red light and again wouldnt start for about a half hr. im starting to think not a coolant or heating issue. what other problems could i be looking at?

 

Usually crank position sensor causes death when hot.

 

210 or just above is the correct operating temp. A 160 thermostat will just start the cooling process sooner and will cause the engine to reach operating temp more slowly. And x2 in the crank sensor causing shutdown when hot. Also I don’t remember the exact temp but the electric fan kicks in at like 220 or somewhere around there. I know that’s not correct but it’s close.

 

No, you are correct. The engine is designed to run in the 210-220 range and is held there by the thermostat and the electric fan. A thermostat's only purpose is to maintain engine temperature at it's setpoint and not lower and to limit coolant flow until that temp is reached. The electric fan should be running at anything over 220 or when the A/C is on because of the additional heat load thru the radiator. Remember the A/C condenser is in front of the radiator and raises the temperature of the air entering the radiator.

 

Is it still in the same condition?

 

Sounds more like a crank position sensor than an overheating issue.