Hey y'all
Pardon my noobishness, Ive only been driving since November.
Im running a 2004 GT2 with 207,000 miles. New intake plenum back in january, full system flush, pressure test, etc. This is my first GM car. (had been using my grandmother's honda civic)
Now that its finally warming up in my far northeastern corner of the US my cooling system seems to be feeling it. My first question is; is it normal for the engine to get up to 210-220 while driving less than 25 mph in city traffic? In colder weather (50 and under) it seems to hang at about 185 to 190. It would only climb to 210-220 while idling for extended periods. I was on the highway for 5 hours yesterday and it was running 195-200 with the AC running. This weekend has been about 80 both days.
I heard someone mention awhile back that the fan only kicks in at 227, is that right?
As I said above, this is my first GM, but my grandmother has owned Buick and Olds for most of her adult life. I distinctly remember both her 1994 olds 88 and her 2001 century running slightly above the center line. Do GM vehicles like to run hot? In every other car Ive been in the gauge plants itself a hair under the middle mark whether its -20 or 100 outside.
My second question;
I know white smoke is a sign of a failing head gasket. I have a little bit of light white vapor from the tailpipes up to about 60 degrees depending on outside humidity. I dont observe this from many other vehicle unless its below freezing outside. There is no gunk under the oil cap and the coolant looks like coolant. With it being 70-80 this weekend I have seen none.
in short: How much white smoke is normal?
thanks
