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I recently replaced the water pump. It wasn't overheating or anything, just developed a leak. Never really payed that much attention to specific temps that much since there was nothing unusual. After replacing the water pump, I've been watching the temps carefully. Just cruising around or some spirited mountain roads it likes 196 degrees, maybe up to 198. As soon as I get on the interstate and cruise about 80-85 with about 2,000 rpm, the temp goes up to 201-203. Soon as I get back on surface streets it drops to 196....it seems to like 196. All my experiences with other cars and motorcycles, the temps drop at higher speeds and goes up at lower speeds. I guess I just don't get what the C5 is doing. Nothing bad, just odd to me.
I recently replaced the water pump. It wasn't overheating or anything, just developed a leak. Never really payed that much attention to specific temps that much since there was nothing unusual. After replacing the water pump, I've been watching the temps carefully. Just cruising around or some spirited mountain roads it likes 196 degrees, maybe up to 198. As soon as I get on the interstate and cruise about 80-85 with about 2,000 rpm, the temp goes up to 201-203. Soon as I get back on surface streets it drops to 196....it seems to like 196. All my experiences with other cars and motorcycles, the temps drop at higher speeds and goes up at lower speeds. I guess I just don't get what the C5 is doing. Nothing bad, just odd to me.
What was the part number of the water pump you used?
FWIW, last month I experienced exactly the same odd high temps at low rpm, low temps at high rpm (the exact opposite of anything I had ever experienced before with any of my cars...and I have owned dozens) and outside temperatures were below freezing. My coolant level was low (so I obviously have a leak somewhere; and it is a very slow leak and a failing water pump is my prime suspect). When I filled the coolant tank up, everything behaved normally again. I'm no mechanic; but I suspect that the higher rpm had my water pump spooled up and it was able to drive the low level coolant through the system and/or make the thermostat behave as it should. I can't explain exactly what is going on with my car or yours - but I can vouch for the fact that your symptoms mirrored those of my car. Air in the system and low coolant in the case of your car, you appear to have ruled out- getting the coolant level up with my car solved the problem. Using my car as a baseline, that may leave the new water pump or possibly the thermostat as prime suspects in the case of your car. Your issue arose after the new water pump installed, so as painful as it may be to face- perhaps your new water pump is defective; or not working as well as the old one. But for my car temperatures hovering around 200 is pretty normal.
Hey Doug- Thanks for the reply. My coolant level is good and no leaks. I will go though the process to make sure there is no air in the system again. My temps aren't concerning right now, just seems a little odd. I'll see how things go this Summer. If you change your water pump, it's a real contortion to get it done, but I got through it. Hope yours goes well.
You are most welcome. So far topping off my coolant has the problem solved- the leak is a very slow one; and I'm thinking I'll be good through the winter. From what information I found on line the water pump replace appears to be a reasonable DIY job and the complete kit affordable; so I am considered doing the job DIY when our weather warms up. But most likely, I'll end up chickening out and I'll source the parts and have my mechanic diagnose and tackle it. I've done that with a number of things on my car (plugs, wires, brakes & exhaust work). Their labor charges are reasonable and cost me less than a trip to the emergency room!
The actual replacement is simple in concept. I think there were 6 bolts. Draining the fluid can be a real mess, but the hoses were not a problem. I did get the hose clamp tool....definitely needed. The worst part is getting the new pump on. It's in an awkward position. You can't actually see all the bolts, so you have to fumble around. The bolt holes are clear drilled, so just a slight tilt and they fall out and the gaskets on the other side fall off. A little silicone grease held things in place enough to get it in place. You will need a little luck... So far, no leaks on mine. If you get a good price from a shop, it might be worth it. Let us know if that solves the odd temps.
Last edited by flyingmfrc; Jan 25, 2020 at 12:35 PM.
252846 is the professional replacement that they have fitting from 97-04. People are going to come across issues with that one, especially if they have an 04, or they upgrade to the 2 piece thermostat and housing.
The best one for 97-04 is 251-744 and the 2 piece thermostat and housing. I also suspect some people may use the 252846 with a one piece thermostat/housing and be plagued by mysterious overheating. It all has to do with a few tolerances - I can explain in detail if someone reads this and has an issue.
Last edited by Ed Ramberger; Jan 25, 2020 at 09:59 PM.
I don't get it???
So far, no leaks on mine. If you get a good price from a shop, it might be worth it. Let us know if that solves the odd temps.
