And yet it's not. I flushed the coolant and replaced it a month ago, after putting in a new water pump and thermostat. It doesn't run hot--after it warms up, the temp gauge doesn't budge off from midway, even on hot days--and there are no visible leaks, as well as no change in coolant level. Any ideas?

 

the temp gauge is setup to read in the middle for a big range of temps so you cant go by that...get a cheap laser thermometer and read the engine block temp...you can get an idea of whats going on...

 

Doesn't smell like a drop or two of coolant on one of the cats does it?

Common problem is a very slow leak from the coolant reservoir or Norma connectors on the heater hoses onto the cat. Never a drop on the floor.

 

Second on the temp gauge. I had a hose blow off and the idiot light came on before the temp gauge showed anything over mid-way.

 

Could be. I'll take a look--what are Norma connectors, by the way?

 

There are 'Norma' connectors in the climate control coolant lines on each side of the engine. They connect the engine hoses to the body hoses for initial assembly. They are plastic snap together connectors sealed with an 'O' ring much like a garden hose quick connect.

Prone to a small drip leak after 10 years or so. The 'O' ring is replaceable if you can get the connectors apart without destroying them. Some have cut them out and replaced with 5/8" heater hose and clamps.

NORMA Group - Connectors - Quick Connectors - NORMA Quick PS3

 

definition of a bald faced lie.

 

Temp gauge works fine, but thanks for the suggestions on that. I'll look over my Norma connections and such to see if I can find the culprit; that would seem a real possibility. Plums, you must not like those connectors, huh?