03 D2 - 111,000 miles; have replaced t-stat w/ new gray 180 from Lucky 8 & new Nissens radiator; engine warms up very quickly - 5 mins - runs 194 w/ 180 stat; at stop light will quickly (within 2-3 mins) hit 210; up to 220 at idle for over 6 mins; Ultraguage temp runs up very quickly - drops back to 194 when moving again; what else can I check? don't think bad fan clutch would cause hi temps when moving -- outside temps today from 12F to 25F; any suggestions? I've been reading all the overheat posts but don't know what to check next;

 

My first guess would be you need to bleed the system.

 

thanks for suggestion schwaggy, I have bled the system 6 times now in last 3 days; used approx gallon of anti-freeze/water mix, so I think it should be free of air; any other ideas I might try?

 

Double check the hose and belt routing.

You might pull the thermo and drop it in boiling water to be sure it is opening.

I agree the fan clutch is unlikely, but I'd check it anyway.

 

air flow is suspect since temp drops with air flow. at idle you are 210 then 194 on the move? hand spin on the fan, does the vc feel peanut buttery?
does the temp drop at idle if you rev up the rpms?

 

Agreed with Dusty. 194 while moving (even with the 180 degree stat) isn't too out of whack compared to 220 at idle. I would suspect a fan clutch issue myself (since the fan isn't really a factor when you're moving along, and your driving temps are pretty decent). A distant second might be a worn water pump impeller that doesn't move much/enough water with the engine idling.

 

Does your electrical "pusher" fan in front of your radiator come on? Mine did the same thing when the fan was seized. It should come on when you turn on the A/C. You should be able to spin the blades with your fingers.

 

don't have electrical fan for A/C; viscous fan clutch has some drag when cold, but today I checked it when engine at 194 degrees -- felt very loose -- very little drag; shouldn't the clutch have more drag when hot than when cold?
guess I need to replace fan clutch to try this solution'

 

whaaa. no electric fan?

 

The condenser fan is just behind the grill, in front of the condenser as opposed to most vehicles that have that fan in the engine bay.