Page 1 of 1
Normal SOHC operating temp?
Posted: July 12th, 2007, 2:34 am
by Leedeth
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.

Posted: July 12th, 2007, 4:08 pm
by Limegreen mx-3
that doesn't look rite
Posted: July 13th, 2007, 2:11 pm
by g0t_slack
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.
Posted: July 13th, 2007, 2:18 pm
by Tunes67
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
Posted: July 13th, 2007, 5:57 pm
by g0t_slack
I was a bit off... here is where mine sits.

Posted: July 13th, 2007, 6:00 pm
by umcamara
That's exactly where mine sits after it finally warms up. I think you might be okay. Cheers.
Posted: July 13th, 2007, 6:01 pm
by umcamara
Sorry...I was looking at gotslack's pic. Mine is definately below yours.
Posted: July 14th, 2007, 1:22 am
by mr1in6billion
You guys must live in some cold neighborhoods. Mine looks just like Leedeths. Every other car I've driven has looked about there too.
Posted: July 16th, 2007, 9:25 am
by precidiadrummer
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.
Posted: July 16th, 2007, 9:28 am
by Mooneggs
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
Posted: July 16th, 2007, 9:32 am
by Bochek
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.
Posted: July 16th, 2007, 4:49 pm
by Leedeth
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.
Posted: July 16th, 2007, 4:50 pm
by Mooneggs
Posted: July 16th, 2007, 4:56 pm
by Leedeth
Oh lol I never checked the V6 FAQ...I'll see if I can figure that out now.
Posted: July 16th, 2007, 5:33 pm
by Leedeth
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....