SS operating temp
Platinum Member
Joined: 05-09-2006
Posts: 6,805
From: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
When you're pulling grades like that, it is not unusual to experience increases in engine temperature. The gain is proportionate to the incline and duration.
For example, here in AZ on Interstate 17 about 35-40 miles north of Phoenix is a really tough climb, called Sunset Point. Going to a g2g up in the northern area of the state, I and many others, experienced temperatures in the 235-237 area. As you reach the plateau at this point the temperatures reduce to a more respectable 220......and then finally to about 205-210 in Flagstaff.
The climb into and out of the Palm Springs area, on I-10 also yields some increased temperatures......as does the climb in and out of the Vallecito Mountains, east of the San Diego area on I-8.
All the temperatures reduce as you return to more "normal" driving conditions.
For example, here in AZ on Interstate 17 about 35-40 miles north of Phoenix is a really tough climb, called Sunset Point. Going to a g2g up in the northern area of the state, I and many others, experienced temperatures in the 235-237 area. As you reach the plateau at this point the temperatures reduce to a more respectable 220......and then finally to about 205-210 in Flagstaff.
The climb into and out of the Palm Springs area, on I-10 also yields some increased temperatures......as does the climb in and out of the Vallecito Mountains, east of the San Diego area on I-8.
All the temperatures reduce as you return to more "normal" driving conditions.
Joined: 05-27-2019
Posts: 9
From: Oklahoma
SS overheating at low speeds and replacing the thermostat didn't help.
Last week I bought an 09 SS window delete from a guy. It looks fantastic for 10 years, 125K. So far it's been running pretty good but would heat up a bit when you went turbo with it. Now that its getting hotter out the temp gauge is going up as well. If I'm moving along at 2300 rpm +/-, about 40 mph, it will hold a decent temperature around 200 and lower, but slow down in traffic it starts to climb. I pulled into a Sonic drive-in and left it running and it heated up to 250. Shut it down and ate my lunch. I was surprised how quickly it cooled down. Highway speeds it's fine. Punch the gas and it warms up a little but quickly goes back to normal 200 range
So I read if the fan is blowing, that's not the problem. If car cools down when going at higher RPM, it's not the water pump. So the focus goes to the thermostat or a dirty cooling system, kinked hose, etc. Some guy said changing out the thermostat fixed it for him. It's the cheapest fix at $40 bucks. $20 thermostat and a gallon of the $20 cool stuff. Well, it didn't help my problem. Made it take a little longer to climb up well into the 200+ range but it just kept on going when I let it sit in the driveway and run it started climbing just like before.
I'm thinking next of flushing the entire system and see where, if at all, it goes. Thoughts?
So I read if the fan is blowing, that's not the problem. If car cools down when going at higher RPM, it's not the water pump. So the focus goes to the thermostat or a dirty cooling system, kinked hose, etc. Some guy said changing out the thermostat fixed it for him. It's the cheapest fix at $40 bucks. $20 thermostat and a gallon of the $20 cool stuff. Well, it didn't help my problem. Made it take a little longer to climb up well into the 200+ range but it just kept on going when I let it sit in the driveway and run it started climbing just like before.
I'm thinking next of flushing the entire system and see where, if at all, it goes. Thoughts?
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,087
From: Welland,Ont Canada
Welcome to the site, and congratulations on your purchase.
change the thermostat, save yourself the aggravation and install an AC Delco 131-158 180 degree thermostat and 50/50 Dexcool.
at that mileage consider a new timing chain and balance shaft chain.
change the thermostat, save yourself the aggravation and install an AC Delco 131-158 180 degree thermostat and 50/50 Dexcool.
at that mileage consider a new timing chain and balance shaft chain.
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,536
From: Fredericksburg,VA
Thermostats keep the temperature up not down.
Your theory of cooling down at higher RPM is kind of silly.
Have you checked the coolant level under the pressure cap?
Are you sure the fan is running? It should be anytime the temp is above 217F, that usually gets it back down to 180F pretty quickly.
Your theory of cooling down at higher RPM is kind of silly.
Have you checked the coolant level under the pressure cap?
Are you sure the fan is running? It should be anytime the temp is above 217F, that usually gets it back down to 180F pretty quickly.
Senior Member
Joined: 09-07-2008
Posts: 1,016
From: Mebane, NC
Joined: 05-27-2019
Posts: 9
From: Oklahoma
Thermostats keep the temperature up not down.
Your theory of cooling down at higher RPM is kind of silly.
Have you checked the coolant level under the pressure cap?
Are you sure the fan is running? It should be anytime the temp is above 217F, that usually gets it back down to 180F pretty quickly.
Your theory of cooling down at higher RPM is kind of silly.
Have you checked the coolant level under the pressure cap?
Are you sure the fan is running? It should be anytime the temp is above 217F, that usually gets it back down to 180F pretty quickly.
Senior Member
Joined: 08-03-2010
Posts: 3,564
From: Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y.
Start with the basics like what was mentioned.
New correct thermostat and coolant.
As said before open the radiator cap when cold and check the level.
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,087
From: Welland,Ont Canada
After all the years if the coolant has any crystals due to age( it only has a 5 year life!
Perhaps the rad is in need of replacement, this is a great option
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/hhr-...install-61428/
Perhaps the rad is in need of replacement, this is a great option
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/hhr-...install-61428/