My Saturn's temp gauge has been reading 5/16 for quite a while even after a long drive, so this meant it was quite possible that my thermostat was a goner. I had already installed a new OEM brass engine coolant temperature sensor (ECTS) from the dealership, so that could not be the problem. My ECTS connector was also in good shape.
So while replacing my hoses and radiator cap, I decided to install a new thermostat. I went with a Stant 14729 195F thermostat. On a Saturn S-Series thermostat, you have to compress the thermostat's spring in order to remove it. While compressing my old thermostat's spring during the removal process, I noticed that it was very easy to compress. On the other hand, the new thermostat's spring was much more difficult to compress. Evidently, my old thermostat was not in good shape, which was expected after 121,000 miles of short trip driving.
With the new thermostat in and a fresh fill of Prestone Dex-Cool, my temperature gauge now reads 7/16 within 2 miles of city driving. Previously, the heater would take several miles of driving before providing adequate heat, now, it's warm enough to roast me within a mile or so.
Sounds like a winner then, eh? Not quite. The temperature gauge now reads 7/16. From what I understand, the correct reading for an S-Series temperature gauge (with a properly functioning thermostat) should be about 3/8. So, my car is running a tad warmer that it's supposed to. Instead of running at 195F, I'm guessing it's running at about 200F? Considering that I'm getting these results in 40F weather, I wonder what the gauge will be reading this summer when the car sees 105F heat!
So, are there are any long-term negative effects to running a car slightly warmer than it was designed for? I understand that a failed thermostat is bad, as the car will run rich. But what about a car that runs slightly too warm? Assuming that I keep my cooling system and engine in good condition, is there any harm?
Thanks!
So while replacing my hoses and radiator cap, I decided to install a new thermostat. I went with a Stant 14729 195F thermostat. On a Saturn S-Series thermostat, you have to compress the thermostat's spring in order to remove it. While compressing my old thermostat's spring during the removal process, I noticed that it was very easy to compress. On the other hand, the new thermostat's spring was much more difficult to compress. Evidently, my old thermostat was not in good shape, which was expected after 121,000 miles of short trip driving.
With the new thermostat in and a fresh fill of Prestone Dex-Cool, my temperature gauge now reads 7/16 within 2 miles of city driving. Previously, the heater would take several miles of driving before providing adequate heat, now, it's warm enough to roast me within a mile or so.
Sounds like a winner then, eh? Not quite. The temperature gauge now reads 7/16. From what I understand, the correct reading for an S-Series temperature gauge (with a properly functioning thermostat) should be about 3/8. So, my car is running a tad warmer that it's supposed to. Instead of running at 195F, I'm guessing it's running at about 200F? Considering that I'm getting these results in 40F weather, I wonder what the gauge will be reading this summer when the car sees 105F heat!
So, are there are any long-term negative effects to running a car slightly warmer than it was designed for? I understand that a failed thermostat is bad, as the car will run rich. But what about a car that runs slightly too warm? Assuming that I keep my cooling system and engine in good condition, is there any harm?
Thanks!
