COOLANT TEMPS

[harleydog77]

I have a 1989 Beretta with a 2.8L, Using a infrared temp gun at the thermostat house my reading when the thermostat opens is about halfway on the dash gauge/temp gun 192ish. Cooling fan comes on about 3/4 on dash gauge/ temp gun 225ish. the fan shuts off about 195-200. Does this seem out of line? Is there any way to change the fan parameters? Trying to see if the gauge is off or if these cars run like they look like they are overheating? I think this is a OBD1 computer system.

[heavywoody]

Sounds normal to me.

You could probably have a chip burned to change the temperature the cooling fan kicks on. I know that's one of the parameters you can change in the OBDII cars with a tuner.

[woody90gtz]

Yup. I put in a 180 tstat and changed the fan parameters by 15 degrees. Easy with OBD1. I did it just for a little more spark knock prevention.

[Rettax3]

You can also install an aftermarket thermostatic fan-controller, like Hayden makes. A temperature-probe is used to activate the circuit, some or all of them have a rheostat to adjust the set-point. Typically available cheaply at autoparts stores. I would tend to go with a 180 'stat too, like Woody suggests... GM gauges aren't known for great accuracy, nor much consistency between one car and another. But we love 'em anyway.

[harleydog77]

Thanks everyone! Who burns chips for OBD1 on the 2.8 with reliability? Any links would be greatly appreciated.

[woody90gtz]

I know Ben at wot-tech.com does.

[harleydog77]

thanks for all the information.