Had a small leak in top of radiator. Replaced it & while I had it off decided to replace water pump, belt, hoses & thermostat. Now engine temp is showing about 65% on gage where it was running at 45% before changing out everything. Used all GM parts. Can anyone tell me why or what to do? Thank You!

 

Welcome to HF.

Drive it and enjoy. You forgot to include year, model, miles which are all important information when asking any question.

Assuming you are talking an I5 motor...... The new replacement T Stats are 5 degrees warmer than originally from the factory (GM engineering change). So your needle moved from before with the original T Stat.

Anywhere around 1/2 to 3/4 on the dash temp gauge is normal. The dash gauge is like an idiot light with a needle, not very accurate. In order to know the actual temp, drive it with a scanner to read what the water temp is.

 

Thanks Doc! My 1st time on Forum. Should have known to include vehicle specs which are:
2006 H3
5 cyl
140K miles
Will try the scanner advice.
Thanks again!
David

 

Did you use the proper coolant & mix? Did you remove all the air from the system? Scanner temp?

 

Yep,
Used GM Dexcool 50%. I burped it 3 times.
Next step is to check temp w/scanner.
Anything else I need to check?
Thanks for any advice u can give!

 

When cold, rested for a few hours, remove rad cap, and observe. Other than that, I would need a scanner reading.
Besides, I don't know what your 65% reading is(insert pic here), and what your ambient temperature is?

 

I had the same issue last year. The GM Service Dept told me the new T-stat is 10 degrees hot for emissions reasons.

 

To be certain get a Scan Gauge and mount it on your steering column.

Your temp when warm should be in the 190 degree temp range.

Lots of other cool info with the scan gauge.

 

The Scan Gauge is a great way to monitor 4 systems at a time and have real readings. You can configure it anyway you want as often ( and easy) as you want. I mounted mine on the dash in the lower left corner of the windshield. It’s easy to read , out of the way and the wires are tucked up behind the dash out of sight. I love the scan gauge.

 

Thanks for advice!
When cooled down & cap.removed, what should I be " observing for? " Level?
65% was needle position on "idiot" temp gage in dash. Ambient temp is 60ish.
Any recommendations on a particular scanner?
Thanks again for help!