My owner manual says to clean antenna mast with a mineral spirits rag, think no need lubrication, unless antenna is stuck inside, mast is made by four pieces and all four should came out, take a look

Also i've seen in your engine bay photo, one of your fan relay, (left side of radiator house) is unclipped Hard to say from here if bracket is broken, or what other.... If you need that bracket rock auto sell it,

Anyway i would suggest to re-attach it cause can disturb the headlight movement

 

In fact if no t-stat or t-stat open stucked, coolant will be a low temp

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermostat


Wax pellet[edit]

Automotive[edit]

Main article: Wax thermostatic element





Car engine thermostat
Perhaps the most common example of purely mechanical thermostat technology in use today is the internal combustion engine cooling system thermostat, used to maintain the engine near its optimum operating temperature by regulating the flow of coolant to an air-cooled radiator. This type of thermostat operates using a sealed chamber containing a wax pellet that melts and expands at a set temperature. The expansion of the chamber operates a rod which opens a valve when the operating temperature is exceeded. The operating temperature is determined by the composition of the wax. Once the operating temperature is reached, the thermostat progressively increases or decreases its opening in response to temperature changes, dynamically balancing the coolant recirculation flow and coolant flow to the radiator to maintain the engine temperature in the optimum range.

On many automobile engines, including all Chrysler Group and General Motors products, the thermostat does not restrict flow to the heater core. The passenger side tank of the radiator is used as a bypass to the thermostat, flowing through the heater core. This prevents formation of steam pockets before the thermostat opens, and allows the heater to function before the thermostat opens. Another benefit is that there is still some flow through the radiator if the thermostat
Wax pellet[edit]





If your fans are working and you're having large temperature swings, a thermostat is the first place I would check.

 

Okaaaay....you posted a wiki link to "how a thermostat works" :Rolleyes:

I'm abundantly familiar w/"how a thermostat works" already. Because I know how thermostats work, I'll ask again:

"How would that cause it to run too hot?"
No more links stating the obvious, please. I'm asking YOU to explain how a stuck open stat will cause his car to run up to 250*F.

 

Thanks for the info ! Speaking of the "Factory Service Manual " --- where is the best place to buy this ? And are you referring to the actual "GM" manual , or one authored from another company ?

 

You can usually find the two-volume FSM here in the C4 Parts For sales section or on ebay.
Be sure to get the ones with the RED cover. The ones with a White cover were preliminaries.

 

There is a red cover two book set on ebay right now for 89.50 with free shipping great deal!!!!

Have you cleaned out your radiator yet by taking the shroud off yet?

 

While it's certainly possible that there is dirt and debris between the A/C condenser and radiator, you should also look at the front of the condenser for debris. It's very easy for the small spaces between the tubes and fins of the condenser to become clogged up with dirt.

Because the condenser sits in front of the radiator, anything clogging the airflow thru the condenser will keep the radiator from working properly.

Another thing to look for is the condition of the lower air dam pieces. The center piece can easily get broken or folded back. They are there to help direct air up into the condenser and radiator.

Both the radiator and A/C can be cleaned of dirt by directing a stream of water from the back (engine) side of the radiator. Do not direct water from the front of the car!! That can soak the Optispark which would effectively ruin it and cost hundreds to replace.

As far as normal operating temps are concerned, anywhere from 195 to 210-220 are fine and considered to be normal. The C4 cooling system was designed to run hotter in order to reduce emissions.