Why does my 2000 pontiac grand am always run hotter than normal?

[Jena A]

I have a 2000 Pontiac grand am V6 3.4L and it always seems to run above 200 and it is supposed to be running at 195. I have tried doing radiator flushes, buying a new cap for the water pump, replacing hoses etc. Nothing works, it still runs hot. I am thinking that either the thermostat needs to be replaced or the radiator. I have had it over heat like two or three times last summer and the summer before. It has not yet this summer, but i am tired of this happening and just want to know why. It likes to get really hot when i go up hill so i have to drive with the heat on. Is it common in these cars? Could there be something else wrong besides the thermostat or the raditor? HELP!!!

 

[Pilgrim]

You've flushed and didn't replace the thermostat? Replace that sucker immediately, that could be the problem.

Most coolants on the market have a water pump lubricant in them. Most use silicone as the lubricant. Silicone is a solid, so it's suspended in solution. The trouble is, it precipitates out of solution and coats the inside of the engine and the cooling passageways of the radiator with a thick gooey layer. This layer insulates the water inside from the air temperature outside making heat transfer less efficient.

Flushing helps, but then you'll put in more coolant and the cycle begins again.

The only coolant I know of that uses a liquid lubricant is sold at Mercedes Benz dealers. It costs three times what typical coolant costs, but it's what I use. I only change it when I replace a water pump, and that's only after 100,000 miles.

 

[Joey S]

I would say take it to a shop and check if the radiator is working right.

 

[alvarz]

the coolant has to be a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% water--this is the most effective mixture. Today they sell it premixed. It must also be the correct type of coolant for your particular car.
if the water pump does not leak then there is probably nothing wrong with it.
The thermostat temp rating determines when it opens up and begins to circulate thru the radiator
Most engines coolant systems today have to be ''bled'' of residual air. When residual air is in the coolant system it 1) lowers the boiling temperature 2) interferes with coolant circulation thru the system. IT is a common reason for overheating. (there is a bleeder valve accessable on the front of the engine)
Check to insure that the fans are operating when the engine reaches temperature. If they arent then check the fan,fan relay,and the sensor that operates the fan.
Check to insure that the coolant filler cap is on tight--a loose filler cap lowers boiling temperatue.
There is nothing wrong with your radiator and an engine flush will only flush money out of your handbag.

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[Goatman]

I have a 2000 Pontiac grand am V6 3.4L and it always seems to run above 200 and it is supposed to be running at 195. I have tried doing radiator flushes, buying a new cap for the water pump, replacing hoses etc. Nothing works, it still runs hot. I am thinking that either the thermostat needs to be replaced or the radiator. I have had it over heat like two or three times last summer and the summer before. It has not yet this summer, but i am tired of this happening and just want to know why. It likes to get really hot when i go up hill so i have to drive with the heat on. Is it common in these cars? Could there be something else wrong besides the thermostat or the raditor? HELP!!!

First off 200-220 is considered (normal) so I would say you are not having any abnormal issues yet as far as temperature .. but you say it has overheated ??? how so.. did it actually boil over and loose coolant ?
and was that related to the water pump or hoses ?
you may be linking one issue with another ...
you need to make sure that all of the air ducting under the car is intact and the fans are functioning properly and that the coolant is properly filled and the system is free of air pockets (their is a specific air bleed procedure for the engine) I would check all and then see if it still overheats , remembering that 200 or there abouts is normal temp..