Thread: Very low temp issue with a 2000 GP GTP. *solved*

Hey guys I just picked up this car today, and went for a cruise around town! It's about 65ish tonight. I drove her for around 2 hrs, used up about a 1/4 tank of fuel, and sadly never got over 60. The guy I bought it off of said to me that the temp doesn't usually warm up until about an hour after driving it. The heat wasn't melt your face, but it wasn't cool air blowing through the vents either. I'd say it was good enough to keep me comfortable.

My issue here is my gauge didn't appear to move up at all. During the day when I was driving to DMV, pick up kids, n food. The ambient temp was roughly 80 today. I did notice the temp gauge went up to maybe the first line after the absolute bottom. Is this an issue?

I searched for temp gauge issues but only found them to be about too high of temp, I seem to have quite the opposite! I also have very little car knowledge, but I want to learn!! This car is AWESOME!!

Car specs: 2000 GP GTP 98k miles.

Thanks for looking guys

sounds like the t stat is stuck open.

T Stat might be stuck open. Replace with a stock or drop to 180* T-Stat since you live in a hot state.

I run a 180* T stat here in Louisiana/ Texas with no problems and after 10 minutes the heater will melt your face.

As for brand of T Stat, I went with a Never Fail and have your radiator cap tested also, I had a new cheap one fail, went with a Stant for the cap.

Edit: Scotty with the ninja, every time, your fast bro LOL.

Originally Posted by kamuletoe

Is it bad to be running it like that? I'd like to drive it around until I can get it fixed, if at all possible.

Does not hurt it, but you will use way more fuel cause the car is trying to warm up, so it dumps more fuel to compensate, at least thats what I have been told.

Originally Posted by kamuletoe

So that's probably a reason for the extra fuel consumption I presume, that or my foot.... lol!

I would say a combo of both HAHA, since your going to change the T Stat, might as well do a drain and fill of the coolant and make sure to use the bleeder screw on top of the T Stat housing to get all the air out.

hes saying its a good time to flush the cooling system, not needed but cant hurt, i change all fluids when i buy a new used car. this way you have a new record.

yo can take the 2 bolts out lift the housing off, swap the t stat, re bolt it down with a new gasket. no real need to dump the coolant.

Yeah, you can do what Scotty said, just pull out and replace or do a little maintenance.

This would be a great time to flush the dex out it of though unless in already has green in it.

190 is fine, never drop to a 160 and if you want, go with a 180. I have a 180 and have had no problems.

Your welcome, throw on a Stant brand radiator cap to be safe also.

I went through two of these Murry caps in two weeks, they are worthless IMO MCS Murray Temperature Control 7816 - Safety Release Radiator Cap | O'Reilly Auto Parts

Then I got a Stant and have had no problems

Thank you Sir and yes, just for peace of mind that it has been done, nothing wrong with putting new parts on and learning more about your ride.

Here is a good video on how to change the SC oil. Same method I used, works very well.

HOW TO CHANGE THE SUPERCHARGER OIL ON A GM 3800 SERIES II V6 - YouTube

Well I found out that I'm pretty sure the guy has used just water in the cooling system. Am I screwed with this? I popped the cap to see what the color of the fluid was and it was clear. Reached my finger in and wiped the inside neck and there was black crap on my finger. Should I take this to get it professionally flushed? Or would I be able to use a garden hose to push the old out along with the nasty deposits then top off with any old brand 50/50?