DJJimGreen

So first off, yes, I did a search. I learned a bunch from the search but didn't necessarily get my question answered.

As of earlier today, I've noticed my cars temp gauge bouncing into the 4th bar when I'm at a stop. Of course, that means my shit's hotter than it needs to be, but I'm wondering what are the possibilities that this is now occurring.

I changed my oil not too long ago, but it wasn't recent enough for me to think that I need to change that.

I'm almost positive it's just an uneven amount of coolant and that I need to add more mixture..

I also searched around for recommended coolants for a 2000 s2k and came up with "it doesn't really matter on the 2000's, unlike later models that need a siliconeless coolant".

Anywho, please confirm or deny my speculations and give me some sort of recommendation! I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks so much!

DJJimGreen

update... after some inspection it looks like I've got a cracked radiator (with only 70k miles?!) .. lame.. Anyone know where I can buy a new one for cheap/installation instructions?

AusS2000

Go for a Koyo. Cheaper and higher capacity. Need a new cap too.

AusS2000

Install wise it's a doddle. Need to burp the coolant after though. There's a write up somewhere on here.

2poor2mod

i would just upgrade whenever you have to replace something on the car and aluminum radiator and possibly new silicone hoses and thermostat and radiator cap and you should be good to go for a while with the cooling system

DJJimGreen

Thanks for the help. I bought up a new koyo radiator and a mugen cap.. I'm trying to sell the car so frankly, I don't want to over upgrade it.. for me to just sell it.

NFRs2000NYC

Do you have a grill in your bumper?

DJJimGreen

ehhh yes.. its a 2000 so it should shouldnt it?

NFRs2000NYC

The grill is what's causing the temp bars to reach 4. I'm gonna PM the mods of under the hood so we can put that info in the faq.

4 bars = grill in the mouth of the bumper.

Don't worry, 4 bars is still in normal operating range, however, for protection, the car will shut off the AC compressor until the bars drop back to 3. You should ONLY be seeing 4 bars on the hottest days. If you see 4 bars in the fall or winter, you have other issues, however, 99% of the time, if you have cooling issues, the bars wont stop at 4, they will keep going up.

JstnRyan

Based on his response, I'm thinking he only has the stock grille. Thus, I don't think that's an issue here.