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  1. #1 Cooling System Questions 
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    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
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  2. #2 Re: Cooling System Questions 
    Killa Bee Scottydoggs's Avatar
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    your temp seems fine, these car have a 195 t state, and the fans dont turn on till 215 and then hi speed at 220 something. so yes around town they run warm, and on the open road they cool down and run cooler.

    the white smoke is most likely just condensation burning off from the muffler and exhaust pipes. head gaskets are rare to just blow, even if over heated it. and you said the intake was already done. so kinda rules that out.

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    GTP Level Member dazedandconfused's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by scottydoggs View Post
    your temp seems fine, these car have a 195 t state, and the fans dont turn on till 215 and then hi speed at 220 something. so yes around town they run warm, and on the open road they cool down and run cooler.

    the white smoke is most likely just condensation burning off from the muffler and exhaust pipes. head gaskets are rare to just blow, even if over heated it. and you said the intake was already done. so kinda rules that out.
    Mine turn on at 212*
    97 gtp, cone filter mod, downpipe and glasspack to stock muffler mod, 180* t-stat mod, bad driver mod
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  4. #4 Re: Cooling System Questions 
    Turbo is the way to go. Fivefingerdeathpunch's Avatar
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    the white is more like a steam.

    fan speeds are 214 and 226 IIRC.

    And like the other dood said, all those temps seem fine to me.

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  5. #5 Re: Cooling System Questions 
    GT Level Member RooK's Avatar
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    You can always whiff the exhaust if you're super curious. Don't stick your nose in the pipe, but kneel next it it and motion the exhaust toward your face with your hand. Coolant in the exhaust will make it smell sweet.
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