Cooling system

[hbutko]

Hi gang, I own a stock 04 Vibe. recently my car overheated. I came to the conclusion that it was caused by a bad thermostat. Everything is back together and seems to be working fine, but my temperature gauge is at about half-way now when the car is at operating tepmerature. I thought it used to be about 1/3 or 1/4 before my overheat. What is your gauge at?

[hndlthis]

Mine has always been just under half way... looking straight on at the guage, the needle rests just above the "bulb" on the "themometer".

[jake75]

Ditto

[RIT]

Moi aussi (mine also).

[lovemyraffe]

Me too. Just under half-way.

[djb383]

IIRC, the factory gauge stops moving (tick below middle) at +/-150F actual, according to the ScanGauge. Normal operating temp is +/-185F (still a tick below middle) by the Scangauge. When doing a coolant flush/re-fill, I've seen 230F on the ScanGauge (before the system 'burped') factory gauge still a tick below middle. My point is, the factory gauge is just about worthless (80 degree swing and no movement) but if you see it above 1/2, things are really getting toasty - have it checked.

[hbutko]

Thanks for all the input. I feel a lot better now. Interesting point about the factory gauge only going half way, may as well have an idiot light.

[bonzo4ever]

Speaking of coolant system, I'm probably due for a flush soon, and wanted to get everyone's opinion on coolant additives (Water Wetter, etc.). Do you think we need the additional help with cooling? I have a Vibe GT, and haven't had any temp problems to date, but thought I'd ask the group before jumping into anything. So what's the verdict? Additive as well, or just plenty of water and good quality coolant?

[djb383]

Distilled water & coolant. I've never seen lower temps with water wetter.......and that's using the Scangauge which is digital in one degree increments.