cooling issues

K-RUPT · 02-19-2007, 02:02 PM

I've been driving my car lately and i think that i may have stumbled across a cooling issue. Over the past week I've been cruising all over town (city driving and highway driving). I take it easy and don't go past 4000rpm. The temp gauge doesn't go past the first thin line. So when I'm driving, everything seems fine. The issue arises when I park my car in the garage. If i have been driving in the day, I'm fine to touch the bonnent afterwards (its warm but not hot). If i had been driving at night, the bonnet is considerably hotter. I've tested this four times, two day trips and two night trips and my suspicions have been confirmed. Fans seem to be working fine. I'll do the test that Clark's garage recommends just in case. Could it be that my lights are somehow affecting my cooling (sounds stupid but thats the only thing that changes between day and night driving)? Anyone have any ideas?

GreenWater · GreenWater's Garage

Although I have not had this problem, or not noticed, I might know what is causing this. This happens with motorcycle often, but really isn't a problem. Nothing is wrong. When it is cold outside the thermostat doesn't kick in, or not as much. It is reading the car as being colder then it really is. The outside temp causes the thermostat to not activate. That way the car can warm up to the right temp. As long as your car isn't over heating, then you should be okay. What is your temp at night? And, what is the temp outside when you are driving?

K-RUPT · 02-19-2007, 02:55 PM

Thanks for your advice GreenWater. Outside temp at night 20C (68F) compared to day 29C (84F). Engine temp always appears to be around the first thin line (not sure what temp this is). My alternator gauge shows a bit over 12V (i think it should be around 13.5-14). Is it possible that because i have the lights on, and the alternator is a bit poo, the fans dont want to kick in? But at the same time, my indicated engine temp isn't high. This is frustrating.

K-RUPT · 02-19-2007, 02:58 PM

*But at the same time, my indicated engine temp isn't high enough for there to be any need for fans.

Razorback1980 · Razorback1980's Garage

As long as your engine temp isn't high and your gauge is working correctly, there shouldn't be anything to worry about. Does make you wonder why the hood temp is higher at night though as you would suspect the opposite. It sounds like your alternator is working fine if the volt gauge is around the 13.5 to 14 mark as that is where it is suppose to be. Doesn't sound like you have an issue to me...just a quandary.

GreenWater · GreenWater's Garage

Yeah, sounds like your car is running fine. With in the limits.

K-RUPT · 02-21-2007, 01:52 AM

thanks for your help and time

P944GUY · P944GUY's Garage

Your having the same issue I am with the gauge..get a new set of battery cables..mine were 19 years old, cracked and taped. When the engine gets hot the neg cable doesn't ground as well and causes all sorts of problems, at night when I had the lights on my temp gauge shyrocketed to full hot and when I had the fan blowing it would cause the gauge to fluctuate too..my gauges work perfectly now as well as everything else..it's worth the $170 for new cables and when you get them installed be sure to put new ends and strip back the wire to clean copper on the accessory leads so you know it's done right