My car usually runs around 170-180.
But after I swapped out my opti the temp gauge has been reaching half way.
This only happens on stop and go traffic. Once I start moving it drops down considerably.

What should I check for?
If it's the fan not working what should I check for besides the connection on the fan itself?



Thanks
Oliver

 

If the gauge is only half way, that is still falling in the acceptable temp operating range. Plus, not to mention this is occuring in stop and go traffic.

 

It's not in the red, I know.
But it's never run this hot before. Coolant hose blew up on me before so I have this phobia of overheating. LOL.

 

It doesn't sound like you have a problem, but make sure your coolant level is good. How old is the coolant, has it ever been flushed?

 

It was flushed when I changed the opti spark a couple of months ago.
That's when it started running this hot.
Before it always stayed under 1/4 way.

 

Might be an air bubble in the system....

 

bleed the valves until a steady stream of coolant is coming out, do this a few times . make sure to put a rag or something to catch the coolant that comes out of the valve closer to the waterpump so it will not run down and into the new opti you put on.

 

I bled the valves and a steady stream seems to be coming out.
How long should I let it come out for?

Also, now that you mention bleeding. When the car gets hot, the low coolant light also comes on. When I check the coolant level it's full in the radiator and the overflow.

 

Keep them popped open until coolant starts to bleed out, then tighten them back down. As for the coolant level sensor, it is not uncommon for those to go bad.

 

try a new radiator cap, mine was getting bad and was letting air in the system w/o me realizing it until it would always overheat