95 SL1 Runs Disturbingly Hot

Discussion in 'Saturn S-series' started by drfugawe, Aug 11, 2003.

  1. drfugawe

    drfugawe Guest

    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
     
    drfugawe, Aug 11, 2003
    #1
  2. drfugawe

    Napalm Heart Guest

    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
     
    Napalm Heart, Aug 12, 2003
    #2
  3. drfugawe

    drfugawe Guest

    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
     
    drfugawe, Aug 12, 2003
    #3
  4. drfugawe

    Kirk Kohnen Guest

    If the 95 Saturns have two separate coolant temperature sensors, then
    replace the one that goes to the computer.
     
    Kirk Kohnen, Aug 17, 2003
    #4
  5. 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.
     
    Philip Nasadowski, Aug 17, 2003
    #5
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