I have a 1997 Cavalier with the 2.2, I was sent here by someone on another forum who said you guys here are the ones to ask about j-bodies. The engine has been running pretty hot since the day I bought it, and I've changed the thermostat, the cooling temp sensor, had the radiator boiled out, and did a complete cooling system flush. The cooling fan is working fine, and moves plenty of air. The car hasn't overheated, but it does get pretty hot, no matter where I'm driving. I was told that the temps I'm seeing are normal, but I just wanted to be sure before I go on a long trip and hurt my engine. This is exactly, where my gauge sits, and the red line is the highest I've seen it driving on the freeways.


So is this really normal? If not what else is there to check that could be causing it to run this hot?

How long has it been since you replaced your thermostat?

I've only had the car for a little over two months now, and I've done all the cooling system maintenance in the last month.

You may need to 'burp' your system. There are two air bleed screws, one by the old thermostat housing (driver side end of engine, top), and one in front in the metal pipe. Don't open them when the system is hot, only when it it warming up and pressure is JUST starting to build. 2.2s run at about 1/3 up the gauge for auto trannys, and 1/2 way-ish for manuals. OE thermostats were 195 degrees, updated ones are 190 degrees with no adverse effects. To ride that high on the highway is not good. Maybe briefly get that high when you come to a stoplight - maybe.