Ive searched the topic numerous times and have a slight handle on the subject but need a bit more info. My car runs hot only when the car is in the higher RPM's. I know this is normal but the car is running hotter than normal(up near the red) so that makes me worry. If I drive it nice and slow, it stays cool but as soon as I hit it once, up goes the temp. I was thinking that my cat. converter is starting to get clogged and is not letting it breath like it needs to. Ive also lost a lil power lately which also makes me think its the cat clogged up. What do you guys think? Thanks in advance for any info.

Bo

 

I would start with the cooling system. When was the last time it was flushed? Are both of your cooling fans coming on? Also, leaves and debris can build up on the front of the radiator/AC assembly. I've also seen debris between the condensor and radiator that would block airflow.

 

Just how hot are you talking about?

 

Thanks for the reply. Sorry, I probably should have mentioned that the radiator has been flushed 10+ times in the past month(every time I got more crud out of it), new coolant of course, thermostat, bled the cooling system, and I made sure all of the hoses are clamped good and tight, no leaks. The only thing block any air from the radiator is a tranny cooler but other than that, no debris. I think I have the cooling system covered, if there is something that I left out, please let me know. Also, something that I have noticed lately other than what I mentioned earlier is that my exhaust "pings" after I turn the car off which it has never done before. I have heard tons of cars do this but never really thought anything about it so I really dont know what it is. Hope this clears something up for you guys. Thanks again.

Bo

 

It runs fine if cruising at low RPMs(like 1800 and below) but if I get it up to 85ish even on the highway, with the RPM's up near 2500, the temp slowly creeps up but never tops out but its close, really close, Id say 230-240. I know our cars run hot but it used to never top 180. Im just trying to get back there.

 

I just bought a '94 T/A and am having the EXACT same problem with it. IT seems to run "reasonably" warm (about 210) when driving under about 1500 rpms in town with the a/c on. Once i'm running faster than that she heats up to about 230. I have throoughly flushed my cooling system and bled it 5 times in the little over a week i've had it. I swapped the radiator completely and put in a new thermostat. I think i've got the cooling system covered pretty well (other then hooking a hose up tht eblock to make sure it's flowing). But it seems to me as though the water flow is fine and i can see it flowing. You mention your cat being plugged up and i know my cat rattles bad currently and needs to be replaced and is somewhat plugged - so i'm wondering if this might help. Not sure if the exhaust ping has anything to do with it - but i do also have an exhaust pinging noise myself. Not sure how that could be related to engine temp though? Have verified the fans are also kicking in. Anyone else?

 

So I assume you have the fans coming on earlier than stock? Otherwise the factory progamming would have your car running that hot. You didn't mention if you have verified both fans operating correctly when the temp gets that high.

 

Sorry, Im slackin, the fans are wired where they are ALWAYS on.

 

Is the air dam on? Radiator air baffles intact?

 

Yes and yes. Thats why Im thinking its something other than the cooling system.

 

Have you had a chance to gather some scan data? If your car is pulling out a lot of timing, that would make the car run hotter. As would a lean situation.

 

I dont have any scan data Im pretty sure its running lean. How would I go about getting some scan data? I would assume Im running fairly rich since Im running the stock air intake with MAC headers. LOL, I know, I need a CAI but before I buy anything else for the thing, I want to get it running cooler.

 

You'll need either a scan tool such as AutoXray, or a scan program for your laptop. Even better is a trip to a dyno with wideband air/fuel data monitoring!