Antifreeze and normal operating temperature

Theswedking
Tue, 25 May 2021 04:40:13 +0000
Maintenance/Repairs

2005 Chevy Impala with 3.8. I had noticed my temperature gauge climb quite high and the warning light came on of course. I did the usual check antifreeze reservoir. It was low tossed some in. It still ran hot. One of the fans weren’t kicking on, new relay. Still ran hot. Thermostat stuck closed, new thermostat then.

Now it is running cooler though not as cool I think it should or perhaps it is normal. It’s just above the middle on the gauge. The part guy at the store recondmended that I stick with O.E. at 195. One of the first things when I first got the car was put in a 180 as it is only driven in the summer and on occasion.

Is it because it is a 195 that is making run just a little warm to me it seems like it. When I had the 180 in it barely got to the middle usually just below it or on cooler days even lower. All I can think of is clogged radiator. No antifreeze in oil, it isn’t milky. Is this just normal or should I try flushing first.

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