Cadillac Repair: 95 cadillac sts, hose clamp, radiator cap

Question
I bought this car a few months ago and I'm having problems already. The temp stays between 208 and 225 sometimes its get up to 232 and I don't know if thats normal or not. It also is running rough and I swore I heard it backfire once. It also idles high. When I start my car its like my foots on the gas. I need some professional help!

Answer
Hi Michelle,

         I wouldn't get too concerned about the coolant temps. just yet because they are in a normal range. If you start to get to the 240 or higher area then you need to see your mechanic.

         A couple things you could do is to check the antifreeze level in the bottle when it is cold. You might need to add some if it is low. Also the radiator cap spring might be getting weak if it is the original one and I would suggest replaceing it and see what happens.

        If there is a leak in the system meaning at a hose clamp or waterpump that will make the temps rise. You can have a leak and not see anything on the ground so you might need to have your mechanic pressure test the cooling system.

       Since the engine is running rough that can also have an effect of coolant temps. You don't say what the mileage is but if you are over 100,000 miles you still could have the original sparkplugs in there. Also the plug wires like to go open. An easy test for that would be to locate the coil pack above the rear valve cover and start at one end and give the sparkplug boot a twist so it turns and then lift up. If you see rust inside the boot or on the coil tower then that wire has an open and a reason for running rough. If it is ok then reinstall it on the coil and go to the next one until you have done all 8. Most people recommend replaceing the coil but if money is tight you can clean the coil tower with some steel wool before installing the new wire. If you find one or more wires rusted or the  wire is original such that it has a number on it that corresponds to the cylinder it goes to then it is definitely time for a tune-up useing AC Delco platinum plugs and a sparkplug wire set. It might be best if a shop did the work because sometimes the plugs don't want to come out if originals and special care will need to be used to get them out.

     See what happens with those checks and let me know if I can be anymore help. Bill