I got a thermostat code. Replaced the thermostat yesterday with new coolant (oil done at same time). No issues with either fluid. Engine is hot, radiator is cool to touch. fan comes on with ac, but not at operating. 2004 xkr supercharged. Useless temp gauge at normal line. Going to shop to check with external thermometer to check engine temp. Next steps?

 

Of course when I got to my shop after work, the fans were on and things looked good. They were busy closing up and with the fan on, I just took the car home. I regret not getting an external engine temp reading at that point though, because when I got home I realized the Aux Junction Box in the engine compartment was cooking- too hot to touch. I let it sit.

Tonight, I warmed the car up and let sit at idle for about 15-20min. Engine was 180-200 left hand side and 170-190 RHand. Supercharger was 130-150 (center), slight lower each side. 175 at the thermostat (radiator side), 185-190 on the engine side. These numbers seem normal, or anyone have numbers to compare?

Before the thermostat replacement I was seeing streaming hot air waves out the supercharger vents in the hood. Now it's much less, but still some (looks like heat off a hot road in the summer). I'm sure I'm just hyper aware right now.

Curious what the engine temp should be after a 30mile mostly highway run in cool (50ish degree) weather? I'm going to check after getting to work tomorrow. Wondering if I should have had the water pump replaced too (didn't). Any feedback welcome. Thanks.

 

I just checked an old AutoEnginuity screen capture and my coolant temp was 199 deg F.

Sounds like your ok. Maybe you had a huge air pocket blocking it up after your t-stat swap...you didn't 'burp' it by running the HEAT at max for several starts / stops / cooldowns did you?

 

I didn't burp it. That's the conclusion I came to as well. Ride today resulted in even lower temps, all below 175. Thanks for the feedback, it gives me peace of mind.

Now I'm getting lower mpg (~15%) and Lean Bank 1, so next is check the cylinders and plugs for compression and to see if I'm firing on all. I'm thinking the coolant system is now a ok, but I still might have some fallout from the original overheat. Thankfully these engines are solid. Lesson learned- flush your coolant an replace the thermostat at 60k if u think u need it or not!!!!!