Thread: COOLING ISSUES... help

"I am having a weird coolant problem and not sure what it is. My car takes a while to warm up and when it does it doesnt reach the half way mark. But problem is when it is at around the half way mark and i press the gas and go the guage starts going lower. So everytime i move the guage goes down. I thought it was probably the thermostat but i changed it and still the same prob. Im pretty sure both of the thermostats arent bad. do you guys have any suggestions to what it could be? thanks guys"

se-rious jdm posted this above


i have been having the same problem for a while now

Do you have a Koyo rad?

ADDITIONAL INFO:

To help you guys, I'll include here what he forgot to put up.

So far, OP has bled the system multiple times, and has checked per FSM the correct operation of the thermostat and CTS and confirmed that both are working properly as described in the FSM. OP also states he has replaced both items with new items, and has tested per FSM that these new items are operating properly and within expected limits.

OP also states that the radiator fans do indeed turn on, indicating that, since earlier tests indicate the coolant temp sensor correctly reads the coolant temp, the engine does indeed warm up properly to the point where it needs to engage the radiator fans.

OP has not, to date, verified the actual temperature of the coolant at normal operating temps. OP has only used the dummy gauge on the dash, as explained in the first post.

OP also states that, on an incline, the temperature gauge appears to increase in reading. Previous attempts at bleeding the coolant system have either not resolved the issue, or OP has not updated on inclined conditions.

OP has resoldered the single-prong thermistor connection that runs the dash gauge, and noted no change in the reported temperature. OP has ruled out the cluster/coil for the gauge as the issue, but did not report how this conclusion was reached.

From my thread, I cannot confirm that the single-prong thermistor that runs the gauge was properly tested. I also cannot confirm that the OP checked for grounding issues. Since I do see other VVL members having this issue, I recommended the OP start a thread here since it seems, but is not confirmed, that the problem may be VE-specific.

note: i have the same problem w/ my ve.. i've checked everything also, but will know more soon..

From the General thread:

yep, i will report back as soon as i can..

Mine has a similar pattern of cooling but I have an Autometer water temp gauge plus a Calum RT that I use with Logworks that with Calumsult gives me an accurate reading of what's going on. I have a Mishimoto radiator similar to a Koyo. It does take a while to warm up, hovering at about 165-180 degrees for about 15 minutes before creeping up to 212 when the slimfans come on. This is at idle, car not moving. When driving the temp never goes higher than 180, even when driven hard. The idiot water temp factory gauge reads a bit less than half at idle then drops slightly during driving. Brand new OEM thermostat, system properly bled & connections secured and properly grounded. IMHO I don't think it is an issue since this pattern of cooling has been normal for me since the last VE install. If the coolant temp and coolant gauge sensors are working properly with solid connections and the t-stat is replaced and the system bled properly, not much else can be done to minimize the pattern, especially if you have an aftermarket radiator. The best thing you can do I think is to get a REAL temp gauge that you can read to see what is going on and if you can back up those readings via the Consult readings from the ecu then you're golden. Keep in mind that when the car is moving the radiator receives maximum cooling from the increase of air across it's surface so temps should drop while driving for extended periods. Sorry for the long post, hope this helps....

I have a koyo rad but the temp used to work fine it just started acting up now.

mine worked fine UNTIL i removed a/c compressor... then this happend..dont know why...

mine was "normal" until the weather got cold..