Normal SOHC operating temp?

Leedeth · Post by **Leedeth** » July 12th, 2007, 2:34 am

I just got a 92 MX-3 RS and it's my first car...so bear with my newb questions.

My engine seems to run a bit hot. I dunno what the normal temp is, but on other cars the guage usually hovers around the middle. On my mx it's slightly above that. Fan and fluid is fine. Could it just be an old thermostat?

Also, is there any major differences between the SOHC and DOHC I should look out for when using the workshop manual for work on the SOHC?

Thanks.

Limegreen mx-3 · Post by **Limegreen mx-3** » July 12th, 2007, 4:08 pm

that doesn't look rite

g0t_slack · Post by **g0t_slack** » July 13th, 2007, 2:11 pm

Mine sits *just* below where yours is in the pic...

As for the book, if it's the Chilton one, it's pretty good about telling you which is which.

Tunes67 · Post by **Tunes67** » July 13th, 2007, 2:18 pm

Could be an old thermostat.. could be a partially plugged radiator.. could be a old coolant temp sensor that is delivering erroneous data to the gauge. Have you tried pulling codes to see if you have any stored in the ECU?

Tunes67

g0t_slack · Post by **g0t_slack** » July 13th, 2007, 5:57 pm

I was a bit off... here is where mine sits.

umcamara · Post by **umcamara** » July 13th, 2007, 6:00 pm

That's exactly where mine sits after it finally warms up. I think you might be okay. Cheers.

umcamara · Post by **umcamara** » July 13th, 2007, 6:01 pm

Sorry...I was looking at gotslack's pic. Mine is definately below yours.

mr1in6billion · Post by **mr1in6billion** » July 14th, 2007, 1:22 am

You guys must live in some cold neighborhoods. Mine looks just like Leedeths. Every other car I've driven has looked about there too.

precidiadrummer · Post by **precidiadrummer** » July 16th, 2007, 9:25 am

Same, mine hovers just over half way like the first pic, Was like that after my engine swap, and temp stat changed. And my Ecu had all the codes pulled. I think mx-3s, under summer conditions 4cyl, run around that temp, who knows maybe mine has a problem too. I don't need to get into the valve ticking haha as thats what i'm on lookin for today.

Post by **Mooneggs** » July 16th, 2007, 9:28 am

I didn't realize that the 4 cylinder had a higher operating temp... on all 3 of my GS my temp has been like got_slack's pic... anything higher and I get worried

Bochek · Post by **Bochek** » July 16th, 2007, 9:32 am

mine is like in the first pic... just above 1/2 way.... doesnt worry me at all... it allyways stays there no matter the outside temp or how hard i drive the car.

Leedeth · Post by **Leedeth** » July 16th, 2007, 4:49 pm

I was referring to the workshop manual on this site. What should I look out for?

Tunes67 wrote:Could be an old thermostat.. could be a partially plugged radiator.. could be a old coolant temp sensor that is delivering erroneous data to the gauge. Have you tried pulling codes to see if you have any stored in the ECU?

Tunes67

I don't know how to pull codes.... Maybe I should just replace the sensor along with the thermostat as I was planning on changing it just in case.

I guess the slightly high temp is normal then? It hasn't gone to red or anything significant but I have a feeling it's inching its way up.

Post by **Mooneggs** » July 16th, 2007, 4:50 pm

you can learn how to check codes here yourself:

http://www.atlantamx3.com/mocaforum/vie ... 06658ea03b

Leedeth · Post by **Leedeth** » July 16th, 2007, 4:56 pm

Oh lol I never checked the V6 FAQ...I'll see if I can figure that out now.

Leedeth · Post by **Leedeth** » July 16th, 2007, 5:33 pm

Alright I pulled code 17 LHO2S inversion error. I guess my CTS is fine so I won't replace it...

Now to replace that oxygen sensor....