engine overheating

[timothyodell2525]

hey guys im new to the forum, just got a 98 trans am ws6. the car has 171,000 miles on it but still runs really strong. im having an overheating problem now. i just changed the plugs in it, now its overheating. i used ac delco iridium plugs and i gapped them to .060 which is what it says to on sticker under hood. would this have anything to do with the overheating?? oh and also changed plug wires. the car temp ran around 180 before i changed plugs now its getting up to 210 and sometimes a little hotter. any ideas on what to check or change. or is this normal for these cars. i think the plugs and wires were the original, thats a long time for them to be in there.

[KMdef9]

The gauge on the dash is for estimation purposes only. It lets you know if your really cold or really hot, so if it's alittle high, I wouldn't sweat it too much as long as;

1. Fluid level is good
2. Fluid it's self is good
3. Thermostat is good
4. Head gasket is good
5. Water pump is good

[SMWS6TA]

Kevin, 98's are the only yr that the gauges are accurate.


OP, do like Kevin said, check all that he stated.

Most likely your pump or t-stat has gone bad. Their is a weep hole on the bottom of the water pump, look to see if it's leaking there. If so, replace.

Another thing, remember you've had over 100 days of temps above 100* daily. That will take a toll on an engine and cause the coolant temps to rise.
You may also be experiencing heat soak if you notice diminish performance.

When's the last time you have done a coolant flush? Need to do every 3 yrs.

[timothyodell2525]

thanks guys, i just started simple, i heard alot of people talk about the radiator cap, so i started there. so far i have not had problems. hopefully thats all it was.

[pajeff02]

With that many miles, and an unknown maintenance history, I would flush the system and carefully inspect the inside of the radiator for deposits and corrosion. As stated, '98 is the only year that the temp gauge actually works.

[KMdef9]

98's are the only yr that the gauges are accurate.

<- Learned something new today! (Other than chemistry or calculus)

[SMWS6TA]

Op any updates?

[timothyodell2525]

i still havent had any problems, but i think im going to change the thermostat and cooland this weekend anyways. and probably the temp sensor too.

[SMWS6TA]

Did you swap the radiator cap? was that the problem?

[timothyodell2525]

yes. i put a new radiator cap on it. and so far so good

[SMWS6TA]

Hate to admit it but sometimes it's the simple things that cause so much problems.