Cooling problems...

[immgeorge]

Lately my car, a 96 3.8 Camaro, has been running hot. I just replaced my heater core during the summer, and when I checked my coolant on Monday, it was in bad shape. So flushed refilled the radiator, hoping that would help. Well it still runs hot. It never overheats, but it just runs warmer than normal. During the heat of the summer, it would still stay around 180-185, now it will go up to 210 while still moving. There is also a noticeable coolant smell, I'm guessing from it getting too hot and overflowing. What could the cause of the heating fluctuations be???

Thanks guys

[DeWynter]

My first ideas would be thermostat, air in the system, or gelling of the antifreeze in the rad. the last being most uncomon. This would also be because of outsid econtaminnants in the system. Also get a pressure check done to the system as this may also contribute to overheating.

[ONLNTM5]

Also, you may need a new radiator cap-it needs to keep a good seal, and if the gasket is not sealing properly, it could cause you some problems-

[immgeorge]

I'm leaning towards the thermostat myself... Would there be any real & noticeable difference with a 160° thermostat? And as far as replacing the thermostat, not too complicated, no?

Checked the radiator cap first. The radiator is only 3 or 4 months old, new radiator cap as well.

[DeWynter]

I belive its as easy as unbolting the water neck from the engine and replacing the thermostat re-filling coolant and do a air test and check for leaks then drive.