Before I ask my questions and seek your expert advice, I want to say that I have read the cooling posts in the forum from top to bottom. I am aware of how the bypass loop(s) work and the problems associated with the bypass in the block between the driver's side head and thermostat becoming blocked or partially blocked and the perceived effects due to cooler coolant coming from the radiator causing a spiraling loop affect on the thermostat and causing overheating.
So here is what I have. All temp tests were done using an ODBII to the Torque app on my phone. All vehicles have the same 3.5 engine. All vehicles were tested when the outside temp was 34 degrees and all tests were performed with the vehicles driven at both highway speeds and around town start and stop.
1. 2003 Intrepid SXT - This is the only vehicle that I know exactly what thermostat and coolant is in the vehicle as everything was done 3 years ago when I put a used engine in the car. New water pump with less than 8,000 miles, Stant 180 degree thermostat, and Zerex G05 coolant mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Engine was totally drained while on a stand and radiator was totally drained. Both radiator and the block looked pristine at the time. The radiator is original to the vehicle. This runs at 186 - 189 degrees dead on most of the time - highway or city. May fluctuate up a couple of degrees while sitting at stop sign.
2. 2004 300m Special - Bought this from a club member about a year and a half ago. Water pump has about 20,000 miles on it. Never added any coolant or had any issues. Runs about 197 - 203 degrees. Fluctuates a little, but likes the 197 -199 area.
3. 2002 300m Special - This is where I have some concerns. Bought the car back in August. Could hear the coolant boiling in the reservoir after shutting the car off. Never had an overheating problem that I know of. Replaced the radiator cap and now the system pressurizes as it should and the boiling noise stopped. I took the radiator out to clean up the trans fluid leaks from the hoses. Coolant looked like it could be a mix of different brands/types (definitely somewhat bad). I replaced the coolant with Zerex G05, but only about 7 quarts and bled the system to remove the air. This vehicle has a number of "shade tree mechanic" fixes so I don't trust anything (time will get it back right). The vehicle runs in the 206 -208 degrees range. I don't know what thermostat is in or if it is functioning properly. While the water pump does not appear to be leaking, it will be replaced in the Spring with the timing belt.
My question is this: I have three vehicles that have three distinct temp ranges. What is correct? Are all in an acceptable range? What does your vehicle coolant temp run at?
So here is what I have. All temp tests were done using an ODBII to the Torque app on my phone. All vehicles have the same 3.5 engine. All vehicles were tested when the outside temp was 34 degrees and all tests were performed with the vehicles driven at both highway speeds and around town start and stop.
1. 2003 Intrepid SXT - This is the only vehicle that I know exactly what thermostat and coolant is in the vehicle as everything was done 3 years ago when I put a used engine in the car. New water pump with less than 8,000 miles, Stant 180 degree thermostat, and Zerex G05 coolant mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Engine was totally drained while on a stand and radiator was totally drained. Both radiator and the block looked pristine at the time. The radiator is original to the vehicle. This runs at 186 - 189 degrees dead on most of the time - highway or city. May fluctuate up a couple of degrees while sitting at stop sign.
2. 2004 300m Special - Bought this from a club member about a year and a half ago. Water pump has about 20,000 miles on it. Never added any coolant or had any issues. Runs about 197 - 203 degrees. Fluctuates a little, but likes the 197 -199 area.
3. 2002 300m Special - This is where I have some concerns. Bought the car back in August. Could hear the coolant boiling in the reservoir after shutting the car off. Never had an overheating problem that I know of. Replaced the radiator cap and now the system pressurizes as it should and the boiling noise stopped. I took the radiator out to clean up the trans fluid leaks from the hoses. Coolant looked like it could be a mix of different brands/types (definitely somewhat bad). I replaced the coolant with Zerex G05, but only about 7 quarts and bled the system to remove the air. This vehicle has a number of "shade tree mechanic" fixes so I don't trust anything (time will get it back right). The vehicle runs in the 206 -208 degrees range. I don't know what thermostat is in or if it is functioning properly. While the water pump does not appear to be leaking, it will be replaced in the Spring with the timing belt.
My question is this: I have three vehicles that have three distinct temp ranges. What is correct? Are all in an acceptable range? What does your vehicle coolant temp run at?
