I have a problem with my 1999 Chevy Caviler 2.2L 5 spd manual tranny . I recently replaced my engine coolant (for the first time) [I know you all can yell at me later], anyway I also replaced the thermostat and the pressure cap at the same time. The car used to run about 1/4 to 1/2 up the temp gauge (basic gauge package), now after I replaced the coolant it runs from 1/2 to 3/4 up the temp gauge. After a little while of this (2 days) I removed the thermostat and drilled a hole in it, it didn't help much though.

Does anyone have any advice to help me get the temp back down lower??

BTW: The car doesn't overheat!!!
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This is my 5 cents worth, (normally is would be 2 cents worth but I have adjusted it for inflation)

Car I drive:
99 Chevy Cavalier 2.2L 5 spd man (My daily car)
98 Ford Escort ZX2 4 spd auto

Did you bleed the air out of the system? Theres a little bleed screw on the coolant crossover pipe running in front of the valve cover, crack it open till coolant comes out, add, start engine for a bit, repeat till no more air.

Well I did bleed the air out the first time, but I broke off the crossover pipe's bleeder screw, that is why I drilled out the thermostat to help bleed air!


This is my 5 cents worth, (normally is would be 2 cents worth but I have adjusted it for inflation)

Car I drive:
99 Chevy Cavalier 2.2L 5 spd man (My daily car)
98 Ford Escort ZX2 4 spd auto

Actually you drilling a hole in your thermostat will make the car heat up slower in the winter, because not all the coolant will be circulating through just the block, it will also go through the radiator.

Replace t-stat, with a new one. Fix bleed screw to, bleed system correctly so there arent air pockets in there


- 2004 Cavalier - 124k, owned since new

ok I will thanks


This is my 5 cents worth, (normally is would be 2 cents worth but I have adjusted it for inflation)

Car I drive:
99 Chevy Cavalier 2.2L 5 spd man (My daily car)
98 Ford Escort ZX2 4 spd auto