1996 SSEi Questions PLEASE HELP
 

Ok Guys. I hope I can get some help here. I purchased a 1996 SSEi with 146K miles on Monday. This car is a 1 owner and I have every maintanance record since it was purchased. Oil changes etc... You would think that this was a new car by the look outside and inside. HOWEVER here are some problems I have noticed.
1 - The temp gage almost always reads the next click over 200. I am not used to seeing such high temps is this BAD.
2 - When I checked the coolant there is some oil in it. Not much but some. Should I have the heads checked?
3 - The Low Coolant light and the Low Washer Light comes on constantly then will go off whenever it desires. The coolant and the washer fluid isnt low. What gives? Is there some kind of sensor going bad?
4 - The SuperCharger makes a slight bearing noise but I have been told that this is standard with most SuperChargers. Can I get this noise to stop without replacing it?
5 - How many miles should I expect to get on this engine as it has been well maintained. It has been using Mobil 1 for 3 years and 28K miles. Should I stay with this oil also?
6 - General question on the gauges. When you start the car are the gauges suppose to cycle over all the way to the right, Then come back all they way to the left then go to thier positions per thier feedback?

Thanks for all your help in advance.
Wes

Re: 1996 SSEi Questions PLEASE HELP
 

With a stock thermostat 200* is normal. Since heat is one of your engines enemies I would highly recomend installing a 180* thermostat in place of the 195* stock one. Many of us here have them and it has helped out alot.

This might be your coupler inside the SC. If you take the belt off the SC try to spin the pulley. If you feel a little play in it chances are you need a new coupler. Yes, the supercharges do make a distinctive sound but depending on the sound the coupler could be the cause as well.

The gauges are supposed to do this. I'm not sure if you remember the old Pontiac commercials on tv but they showed the gauges doing just that at the end of them all. Personally I like the way the turn on. I think it looks pretty cool. 8)

...and for the rest of your questions I am sure someone will step up soon and give you an answer. Oh, and welcome to the club! :D

temp
 

i had same concerns about temp when i got my 96 ssei. put in a 180 stat and it runs cooler but still goes up to 220 in traffic. its normal. the computer wont turn on the fans until 220 degrees. i will be going back to 195 stat before winter though, i want good heat in the middle of winter.

There are coolant and washer fluid level sensors. Sounds like both of them may be dirty. I would try to clean both of them.