95 SL1 Runs Disturbingly Hot

Greetings,
As many other Saturn owners, we've had engine cooling issues for
years. Had many repairs and parts replaced, most recently the fan
motor. I am still uncomfortable with it generally running from 1/2 to
3/4 on the temp gauge, when I remember that it originally ran from 1/4
to 1/2. It never runs under 1/2 when the air cond is running. I'm
thinking of replacing the heat sensor and the themostat before taking
a long trip through the desert SW this fall. Any other ideas for
improving this performance? jm

 

What year car? Is there scale in the radiator from using hard water?
Do you have a stick or automatic? You might want to consider
replacing the radiator if your answers to these questions are that
it's older, hard water was used, and/or you have an automatic. An
auto contributes its own heat to the coolant and the coil that the
trans fluid runs through can get brittle.

Just a few ideas. A good place to start would be the sensor that send
its signal to the gauge. I like to start with the cheaper and
simpler, as most likely do.

Best Wishes,

Ken

 

Sorry Ken, it's a '95 SL2 stick shift with 112K.
I don't remember using just water in the radiator, I believe we've
always had an anti-freeze mix in there.
Thanks for your reply. jm

 

If the 95 Saturns have two separate coolant temperature sensors, then
replace the one that goes to the computer.

 

In a pinch, you can cause the radiator fan to run all the time. Just
disconnect the a/c plug at the compressor to the clutch, then turn on
the a/c. The computer turns the fan on, but the a/c doesn't come on
because the clutch is unplugged. So you'll have the fan on as long as
either the sensor wants it or the a/c is 'on'. I did this once when the
car was getting too hot, then got home and noticed the big bag sucked in
the front :/

So, check for a bag or other obstruction when you try this. (The big
hint is no air blowing from the fan

Well, it works on my '93, YMMV.