Problem with my 3kGT it overheats to 3/4 of gauge!! Help?

[Fernandoz3kGT]

Originally Posted by striker3

Normal operating range for a typical modern engine is ~195 to ~215F. obviously various from car to car but this is done for emissions and fuel economy reasons. many cars dont have the low speed fans even come on until 210F with the high speed fans at 225F. the average thermostat temp is 195F with some at even 205F.

Is 210F at the high side of what I like to see? absolutely, but its acceptable and normal. I dont start to get concerned until I see 220+F.

210 is at start up idle after taking it for a spin that number is what i wish to see!

[Fernandoz3kGT]

Originally Posted by Baz3kgt

I went thru the same crap n finally simply replaced the radiator. Fixed everything. Also, I didn't realize how much heavier a clogged radiator weighed compared to a new one. Went thru all this during this past Tx summer. Ever since, been perfect. Even with the 105° days after. Also, I replaced tstat to 170 n added water wetter. She never gets above half way on the gauge now.

Sent from my Nexus S 4G using AutoGuide App

Really????? Well thats my last final option before having it torn apart to check to clogged coolant passages in the block.. Would yours get hot at stops, heavy traffic but would cool off a bit when running it?

Thanks for your help! Was looking for someone who went through all of this before me.

[Fernandoz3kGT]

Originally Posted by striker3

where did you find that info? according to the service manual the thermostat starts to open at 170 and isnt fully open until 194 (or more). the standard fan isnt supposed to come on until 178-192 and the condenser fan until 196-210. so does Mitsu try to keep these cars cooler than most? yes, but im sure it was done to help combat the higher temps that twin turbos bring. You shouldnt be concerned about seeing 210F as long as it stays at or below that. if it continues to climb beyond that then you might have a cooling system issue.

edit: searching the forums brings up plenty of threads with tons of people stating their cars run in the 190-200 while occasionally seeing 205-210 on hot days or while stopped in traffic.

Are you sure? My readings didn't get lower than 175 degrees.. Would climb to 205 at idle, fan kicked in, temp lowers to 170-175 and the cycle goes and goes. But will only get hotter if i drive it or rev it. I havn't driven it yet anymore because i dont want to cause another issue..

[Fernandoz3kGT]

Originally Posted by kelvinTurbo

what the Fuuuuu?

I have been watching this closely because I have had overheat problems in the past. Mikaela is not imopressed with that comment about 210F not being cause for concern, I say that because my old Silverado would cut off at that temp... and I swear the VR4 gets hotter than the pit of hell under the hood



I have been thinking about putting back the heat shields or somehow vent the hood, this thread has given me some ideas

Glad my Thread can help others, same reason i tried to show as many pictures as possible through out my trouble shooting.

[Fernandoz3kGT]

Ok so finally what i will do probably tomorrow is go buy a used radiator at LKQ auto parts and try it on my car, if it works then ill simply return it and buy a new one. If not then my radiator is good and i have a serious problem here. I would ask for one borrowed just to see if the rad is in fact the issue but none of my friends have a 3S -_____- i appear to be the only one in town. Anyways can anybody tell me if by using a full aluminium or dual core aluminium cools off better or works better in case my rad is the issue? Also i will flush again my cooling system and get rid of the prediluted antifreeze and do my own water/coolant mix, Just trying to make my car run as cool as possible. Will post results as soon as i can.


Thanks for all the help and the replies. I appreciate it!!

[Fernandoz3kGT]

Took Radiator off today, here are some pics of it.. Also filled it up with water once it was off and found no leaks or anything out of normal. But did notice that its heavier than what it seems :/

This is how it looked like right after had a bunch of leaves in between the rad and ac condenser but not enough to create a blockage though IMO.


Also i noticed this wire sticking out seems to go to the AC compressor, Does anyone know its purpose???



More pics:





Can anyone tell of its OEM from 1999?



& More...







Thanks for all the help!!

[Jesters Deadd]

did you make sure your condensor fan would work on high? If it is only working on low it causes this exact problem.
You can test it with a small jumper and pull the condensor fan relays on the drivers side of the engine bay. jump it for low then test high.

[Fernandoz3kGT]

Originally Posted by Jesters Deadd

did you make sure your condensor fan would work on high? If it is only working on low it causes this exact problem.
You can test it with a small jumper and pull the condensor fan relays on the drivers side of the engine bay. jump it for low then test high.

The fan is removed as well, so should be easier. How exactly do i test it? Do i just get jumpers and run them to the battery? How do i test Low and high, or should i plug it in the cars connector and just try it from the fuse/relay box?

Thanks for the help, im not good with electronics but willing to try anything to fix my problem!! And im assuming i should do the same with the radiator fan too right?

[Jesters Deadd]

Do you have a 99 manual?
There are three fuse boxes in your car. Two under the hood. THe little one on driver's side has the relays and fuses for the condesnor fan.
There are two relays a hi and lo.
Start car from a cold start and turn the AC on the condensor fan lo should come on only. Wait you have the rad out. Don't start it.
Turn ignition to on. Pull HI relay, use a jumper or paper clip etc and jump the two big terminals. They will be middle 4 to the bottom5. The bottom5 will be the 12v supply the middle 4 terminal goes to the fan.
You can do the same with the lo relay.
report back if fan is good.

relay pinouts
[1][2][3]
---[4]---
---[5]---

[Fernandoz3kGT]

Thanks for the help!!! I'll try this as soon as iI can and post results here. But I can't turn on my car without rad or coolant since i took them off (bummer) but will do the jumper cables method. Yes I have a 99 manual SOHC. Does the Rad fan have the same low and high?

Thanks for the help I appreciate it.