Car overheats, a little. Assistance please?

Question

2004 impala 3.8 186,000 miles 
I had an overheating issue when my car ran hot. I replaced the head gasket, water pump, radiator, cooling fans, upper and lower radiator hose, intake manifold, thermostat, coolant temperature sensor. Out of all of that, I'm still having a little issue. It's not overheating anymore but my temperature gauge Rises after maybe 10 to 15 minutes of driving above speeds of 60  on the highway. I have my scan tool hooked up and my coolant temperature is around 217 to 221 degrees Fahrenheit. My fan kicks on at 220 degrees Fahrenheit so that's probably why it doesn't get any higher but it shouldn't be that high while driving at high speeds. I can come to a stop and let my car sit idling and within 2 or 3 minutes my car temperature Within blower to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. A bleed air out of the system. All of my coolant is topped off in my radiator and coolant reservoir. I was using a 50/50 mixture of coolant. So can someone tell me or give me any kind of assistance on why my temperature rises when driving.

Gedia · Answer

Cut the bottom off a coke cola  bottle, poke the cap end into the radiator with cap off. Get some good tape and tape around the bottle to hold onto the radiator having it water proof so no leaking. Fill the bottle say about half way up. Then run the motor and watch to see if any air bubble bubble up through the bottle, give it plenty of time to make sure you know. This bottle gives you a good view of any bubbles and their is no mistake if what is going on. If bubbles it is head gasket or cracked head.

Anonymous · Answer

What do you think the engine temperature is supposed to be?

Low emissions output require a hotter engine.

180° F is from the olden days.

Engines are running around 210° F.

thebax2006 · Answer

That sounds normal so what are you concerned about?

David 14 · Answer

Are you using Dexcool coolant?

Anonymous · Answer

Check the fuel trims an O2 sensor operation with a scan tool.  Car could be running lean or have a failing cat converter.

The Devil · Answer

Pressure test the cooling system.

Anonymous · Answer

from the owner's manual -

" During the majority of the operation, the
gage will read 210°F (100°C) or less."

KY-Clay · Answer

An acceptable temperature for a modern engine after it has reach full operating temperature is from 195 to 220 degrees. You really have nothing to worry about. However if you are worried I would take a close look at the radiator to see if it is clogged with bugs on the front side.

Stpaulguy · Answer

I'd be willing to bet one of the three cooling fan relays is bad. Read this post on how GM cooling fans work

http://ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/car-overheats/

Tim · Answer

Check to make sure your fan is turning on if it still overheats with the ac on it's probably a bad sensor

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Car overheats, a little. Assistance please?

10 Answers