OK. First, let me start by saying I have searched the forum over on cooling issues of the Viper. But I have yet to find any clues that explains my cooling issues.
I have a 1998 Roe SC'ed RT/10. 19,000 miles. Up until now, never had any cooling issues. Running a 160 degree thermostat, as suggested by Sean. Coolant system has been flushed every year and coolant replaced with 20/80 with 20% extended life coolant, one bottle of Water Wetter, and the rest distilled water. Normal temp at idle during the summer months (80 -90 outside) around 190 to 200. Recently, however, the temp at idle in 70 degree weather has been running almost to the first mark before 250. Fan motor kicks on and keeps the temp from further rising and will sometimes bring the temp down a little but not much. Once I get rolling, the temp comes back down to where it used to run. Although I'm not necessarily overheating yet, it concerns me because for this car, this is not the norm compared to what it has ran in the past couple of years. Things I've checked:
1. Coolant level both in the overflow bottle and in the filler tank. Up to level in both.
2. Fan operation. Kicks on when it's supposed to.
3. Radiator obstructions. None.
I assume the coolant system is working as it should based on the fact it cools down rapidly when rolling. One thing mentioned was air in the system. First, I haven't done anything that could have gotten air in to the system. And besides, what little air that could have gotten in it due to minute leaks, eventually work its way out after a few weeks without burping it? Also, if it had air and that's what was causing the hotter condition, wouldn't it run hotter than normal regardless of whether you were idling or rolling?
The only change I made prior to it running hotter is I swapped out the oil pan and gasket. The replacement pan was a new one made for a gen II. I don't know how this would have anything to do with the car running hotter, unless it, for whatever reason, has less oil flow?
Would the car running lean at idle cause it to run hotter at idle and not at speed? It just doesn't make sense that it's running warmer than usual at idle only, and not all the way through all operating speeds.
I have a 1998 Roe SC'ed RT/10. 19,000 miles. Up until now, never had any cooling issues. Running a 160 degree thermostat, as suggested by Sean. Coolant system has been flushed every year and coolant replaced with 20/80 with 20% extended life coolant, one bottle of Water Wetter, and the rest distilled water. Normal temp at idle during the summer months (80 -90 outside) around 190 to 200. Recently, however, the temp at idle in 70 degree weather has been running almost to the first mark before 250. Fan motor kicks on and keeps the temp from further rising and will sometimes bring the temp down a little but not much. Once I get rolling, the temp comes back down to where it used to run. Although I'm not necessarily overheating yet, it concerns me because for this car, this is not the norm compared to what it has ran in the past couple of years. Things I've checked:
1. Coolant level both in the overflow bottle and in the filler tank. Up to level in both.
2. Fan operation. Kicks on when it's supposed to.
3. Radiator obstructions. None.
I assume the coolant system is working as it should based on the fact it cools down rapidly when rolling. One thing mentioned was air in the system. First, I haven't done anything that could have gotten air in to the system. And besides, what little air that could have gotten in it due to minute leaks, eventually work its way out after a few weeks without burping it? Also, if it had air and that's what was causing the hotter condition, wouldn't it run hotter than normal regardless of whether you were idling or rolling?
The only change I made prior to it running hotter is I swapped out the oil pan and gasket. The replacement pan was a new one made for a gen II. I don't know how this would have anything to do with the car running hotter, unless it, for whatever reason, has less oil flow?
Would the car running lean at idle cause it to run hotter at idle and not at speed? It just doesn't make sense that it's running warmer than usual at idle only, and not all the way through all operating speeds.
