Engine overheats. 04 impala 3.8?

Question

I need some help and I don't know where to turn. The vehicle has 188,000 miles. Everything in the cooling system has been replaced. Head gasket, intake manifold, radiator, radiator cap, both coolant hose, coolant temperature sensor, water , thermostat and radiator fan assembly. car runs fine. But it runs a little bit on the higher side of normal, around 220 to 225 degrees Fahrenheit when idling around 220 maxx when driving and the fans are running. I believe it kicks on when the gauge cross is halfway. I don't know what else it could be, could someone please give me a little assistance

Anonymous · Answer

You failed to mention the temperature of the thermostat.   That controls the heat in the engine.   You maybe can find the package and see what it says.  Then your gauge may be off.   You should be running 50/50 coolant /water mixture which raises the boiling point.  Water boils at 212F.   With the coolant mix it may boil at 250F, meaning it stays as a liquid longer which cools the engine.  Steam vapor from boiling straight water does not cool the engine.
Other than that look at the front of the radiator and be sure it is free of newspapers and dirt on the rad fins.   You are fine so long as the coolant remains a liquid..  Also if you are TAILGATING OTHER CARS so close you are like a layer of paint on that car, try giving a space of 2 seconds between you and the car in front.  That way cool air enters the radiator to cool it.  YOU ARE ALLOWED THAT SPACING.  Hell, I give 5 seconds between me and the car in front.(basically a semi truck can fit between easily.@ 40mph.   3 semi trucks when doing 60mph or more..

thebax2006 · Answer

225 is normal and if the heat from the center vents stays hot at idle you don't have an air pocket in the cooling system.

Trump 2020 · Answer

Drain the water out of the radiator, and replace it with full strength coolant. That will give you about 50-50 when it mixes with the water in the engine.
Running on the high side of normal is still normal, but will become a problem going uphill with the a/c running probably.
Coolant will raise the temp that it will boil at.

Anonymous · Answer

If the car runs fine it's not overheating.

The Devil · Answer

Check the fan temperature module. Pressure test the cooling system for leaks. Check the coolant temperature with a thermometer.

buddy · Answer

have you tried running an aftermarket gauge ? 
was the head pressure tested when you replaced the head gasket ?
https://mobile-mechanic-gold-coast.com.au

Pearl · Answer

maybe you should have a mechanic check it out

I M RIGHT · Answer

Standard thermostat was 192 degrees - but that doesn't mean that it runs at that temp.  Where are you getting the 220-225 degree reading - from a dash gauge or some other, ie is the gauge you are relying on accurate?

Ron · Answer

That's not overheating

Anonymous · Answer

Maybe a head gasket leak. An enlightened mechanic can test for products of combustion in the coolant which proves it.

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Engine overheats. 04 impala 3.8?

16 Answers