Re: HALP!! My 86 GT H20 Temp Low, & Fuel Consumption High--

[MSV96@aol.com]

In a note dated 2/18/97 Jonathan Monetti asks:
<snip><<So, I test the thermo-time switch and it *seems* OK (I wont be
comfortable untli its replaced).  I tested the cold-start valve, and it
didn't give my any fuel--car was too warm, but I could see it wasn;t leaking
or damaged. So I disconnected the lead to the cold start valve, and a test
drive produced 15-20 MPG!!  OK, I've found my problem, right?  Well, I'm not
sure.  The car still runs very very cool, and I'm not so sure where the
problem lies. Bad temp-sensor/sending unit?  Thermo-time switch?  Cold Start
valve? Trip computer? I can see the MPG getting better without the CSValve
connected, but the low temp still has me baffled, and MPG still isn't
optimal.  I feel the temp sensor might be OK, because it read a couple of
brief spikes (nothing high enough to be dangerous) while I was filling the
system & while the thermostat was opening up.>>

Are you sure you are running too cool? Do you get good heat from the heater?
You have already changed most of the cooling system-does the cooling fan ever
come on? (I assume it is not on all the time-that happened to mine when the
fan switch failed.) Sounds like it is thermo-time switch/CSV related from the
information you have so far. The Bentley shows grounds for these components
are via the intake manifold. Clean, treat and tighten these grounds and see
if it helps-may or may not but can't hurt-do all your grounds and connectors
while you're at it. On my 4kq the temp readings went way down with a new
radiator and fan switch-but not too low (second segment up from bottom
typicaly). How old is the O2 sensor? I'm told they go a long ways in these NA
motors but that may be partly to blame too.

<<What do you all think?  I think the previous owner probably treated the
coolant system for the radiator leak, so could that have the effect of
*lowering* the overall operating temperature?>>
Not likely-make sure the heat range for the radiator cooling fan switch and
thermostat are correct. Confirm proper coolant dilution ratio also. I would
think stop-leak, etc., would only make temps go higher...what is the ambient
temp where you are? My 4kq runs real cool now with a new radiator when it
isn't hot outside...but I don't perceive it being too cool (temp-wise ;-)  )
Good Luck!!!

Mike Veglia
85 4ksq