I've seen a lot of discussion on this topic so I thought I'd weigh in
with my experience. My car was running in the 210-220 range this summer,
which was a little uncomfortable for me to deal with. One day, it
started running 220. The next day, 230-240. Then, a radiator hose
ruptured and I knew I had a severe problem. I had it towed in.
I assumed it was going to be the water pump. It wasn't--it was something
a little harder to diagnose--it was the fan clutch. It's not something
you can readily tell by looking at the engine, but it makes a heck of a
lot of difference.
I live in Alabama. After the new fan clutch was put on, I have yet to
see the temp guage cross 180 for any reason. Just a thought if you're
having heating troubles. A new fan clutch, installed, is about $120. It
was money well-spent for me.
Jess
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