My 97 ta runs about 180 when driving but when idling it runs about 210 or so. I find this to be to hot for it and turn the heater on to force the fans on then the temp goes down to 180 again. I think my thermostat might be bad and not kicking on the fans. Please advise.

 

Your thermostat has nothing to do with your fans.

 

OK cool but do you know why it would run hot only at idle.

 

I think (not completely sure) that it's because the water pump is crank driven, and at speed, pumps/circulates water (coolant) much faster then at idle, on top of the extra airflow you get when your car is moving. It's normal for it to be hotter at idle, at least my car is. (Fresh pump, fresh 160 thermo)

 

Your fans will not kick in untill around 215 for low and 225 for high, Those numbers may be a little off, but the temps you speak of are normal for our cars when they are stock. Drop a 160 degree thermo in it if you want to run cooler.

 

Oh ok cool because it would sometimes creep towards 220 mark and scare the hell out of me but if they run that hot then it is cool with me. I plan on putting a thermostat in it to.

Thanks

 

i started having that problem. and i just advanced the timing to 28 degrees at the rpm and the MAP that the car idled at. and my car will now never get above 185 with a/c on and idleing in the heat of texas.

 

Also you can install a fan switch and turn the fans on whenever you want to either low or high.