Overheat in Traffic but Fan Working

[TheBender]

I noticed mine seemed to be getting up over 190 idling in traffic which I didn’t notice before (I live in Texas so 100 F days are common). I recently had a new radiator and hoses installed. My mechanic (only works on classic Fiat and Alphas) said it’s normal for the needle to go just past the 0 in 190 when sitting idle in traffic. Opinions will probably vary but I trust his.

[moss1972]

I noticed mine seemed to be getting up over 190 idling in traffic which I didn’t notice before (I live in Texas so 100 F days are common). I recently had a new radiator and hoses installed. My mechanic (only works on classic Fiat and Alphas) said it’s normal for the needle to go just past the 0 in 190 when sitting idle in traffic. Opinions will probably vary but I trust his.

So, your fan didn’t cycle off either? I’m actually putting the stock fan back in tomorrow to see if there is any change.

I don’t feel uncomfortable about it at all sitting over 190 as long as it doesn’t creep up. And once I drive or rev things drop which tells me the system is working.

[TheBender]

I noticed mine seemed to be getting up over 190 idling in traffic which I didn’t notice before (I live in Texas so 100 F days are common). I recently had a new radiator and hoses installed. My mechanic (only works on classic Fiat and Alphas) said it’s normal for the needle to go just past the 0 in 190 when sitting idle in traffic. Opinions will probably vary but I trust his.

So, your fan didn’t cycle off either? I’m actually putting the stock fan back in tomorrow to see if there is any change.

I don’t feel uncomfortable about it at all sitting over 190 as long as it doesn’t creep up. And once I drive or rev things drop which tells me the system is working.

I don’t sit much in traffic when I drive it. But it did seem to not cycle off and just hold at that 0. And once I started driving it went right back to 190 and under. Like you, I just didn’t want it to keep creeping up and causing a major issue. All seems to be fine to me.

[moss1972]

Thanks for the corroboration. I’ll keep my eye on it. If anything comes to light I’ll pass it along. I’m sure once temps get out of the 90s and 80% humidity it will be better

[moss1972]

And we have resolution. The new 14” fan was underpowered compared to the stock fan. Reinstalled old stock fan and that sucker dropped from 210 to 190 in under 30 seconds on a 90+ degree day.

Success! Sometimes upgrades don’t work out.

In case anyone was wondering this was the 14” fan from Vick Auto that did not work out. I am waiting to see if they will authorize a Return in good faith.

[jacobball2000]

I got fed up with the high temp reading, forced me to replace the head gasket. So I pulled the y duck off turned it so water from the radiator flowed free to the water pump and put a 160 deg thermostat in where the top hose goes in to the head. She don't get near 190 going down the road. And as far as I am concern a cool engine is a happy engine.