Running hotter than normal

[Pokey2301]

Ok, I have been driving my car in the city traffic in Tucson with no problems. She runs normal temp all the time, but when I get on the interstate, the temp goes up to a 1/4 in away from hot and stays there. Then I go back to city traffic and the needle goes back to normal. Why is she doing this?

Now the background on her

3 in bic DDP
550cc inj
Lex afm
Auto to 5 sp swap
And she is a 1990 model
Headgasket was replaced a year ago
She isn't leaking coolant and the oil and coolant aren't mixing.

Any suggestions?

Thanks Jeff

 

[chris_2jz]

Sounds like my issue. Mines turned out to be my waterpump (i have yet to replace it) but I can see it leaking down on to the alternator. As soon as I replace it and see my results ill update you

Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk

 

[ebondragon87]

Check for any obstruction in air flow for the radiator, make sure your fan clutch isnt bound (though i doubt thats it). Good chance that its your thermostat.

 

[speedfreak]

ya is your fan clutch engaging at the warmer temps? or maybe backwards thermostat? remove the jiggle valve from thermostat.... i have a 160F thermostat if you want

 

[Pokey2301]

Fan clutch is fine, she blows as loud as she can.
Water pump works fine as far as I know and no leaks.
It does the same wether the thermostat is in or out.
And no obstructions or clogs.

 

[hvyman]

Fan is only useful at slower speeds.

Jiggle valve cutting is only for easier filling.

Both rad hoses the same temp?

 

[Pokey2301]

I'll have to check the temps on the hoses, the hose from the radiator should be cooler right? So the bottom one should be cooler....

 

[OfnaRcR4]

Whatever you do, don't put a 160 degree tstat in...

 

[Compton74]

^x2

 

[Pokey2301]

Yeah the top hose is hotter than the lower hose.

 

[OfnaRcR4]

If this is the case, I'd be looking for a new radiator. Rockauto has them for a decent price.