colemanw

I am really curious if a better fan and different thermostat will make a difference.

It is a 96 2.0 Vtec 16v - have not used the AC, i had the hood open today at idle after a trip to check transmission fluid. The fan came on intermittently at idle. The temp gauge rides high consistently and the motor smells warmer than Id expect. There is one electric fan that covers half the radiator with a wide fan cowling covering the other half. I am fairly certain it is the original radiator and the car has 125k miles. Thankyou for responding.

I picked up a free broken down 96 Mystique about 6 months ago to fix up for a family member, by the time I got it running the family member got a taurus handmedown from their mother. I decided to keep the car as a daily work commuter to save on gas and wear and tear on my newer truck. Anyway, the car has been pretty reliable but it has a few quirks I'd like to address. It is a 16v Vtec with 2.0 painted on the intake. The first problem is funky steering when when straightening out the wheels to go forward from reverse. the car steers beautifully otherwise for the most part. Is this a differential problem creeping up that I need to address? My mechanic says it is a cv joint that will need to be replaced eventually. Second, at low RPM the power steering pump makes and annoying pulsating moan. I know ford PS pumps can be whiny but this has a deeper pitch and just makes me wonder if something is going on. The reservoir looks full. Third is the cooling system, as I understand it these cars are a little inadequate in this department.. what can I do to cool it down? Larger fan? different thermostat? Thanks for any help.