I just purchased a 96 GT which looks to have underdrive pulleys (aluminum and larger than normal). I live in Arkansas and the heat has been getting around 95 degrees. The car runs around the end of the "m" and middle of the "a" on the word "normal" on the heat gauge. I am not comfortable with it running there and when I drive for around half an hour it runs on up to the "l". Could this be caused by the underdrive pulley? It is full of good clean water and ant-freeze and the temp doesn't fluctuate much whether idling or cruising down the interstate. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

the pully would not cause the engine to run hot, maybe a battery charge problem but i doubt that as well judging on the size reduction pulley i have and i still run normal

 

What kind of shape is the radiator?If the cooling system is dirty or partially blocked the car will run hotter than normal.

 

I use March underdrive pulleys with a 180 degree thermostat and have absolutely no problems with overheating in the summer or heat during the colder weather.

 

i would flush out the radiator first and change the thermostat.
what temp thermostat are you running rightnow?

 

What would the battery charge have to do with the temperature????Just install a 160 thermostat and you'll be all set

 

nothing, i was aying the pulley size could affect the charge (depending on how small the crank pulley is), not temp.

 

oh ok

 

why wouldny it affect the temp? the pulleys affect how fast the water pump turns, do they not?
but if you havnt tried, give it a good flush and change the thermastat.like bg said. you can also try "Water wetter" i just put it in my 96 cobra, because i also run a bit hot when the outside temp reaches 90+ and i cruise around the city.
what happens when you go down the hi-way? mine cools right off as soon as i get air going through the rad.
good luck

 

1) replace radiator cap
2) 180* thermostat
3) flush cooling system (refill with a proper mixture for hot weather)
4) check belt tension and condition
5)waterpump