98 Bonnie what temp in hot weather runs over 200 degs ???
 

Ok changed thermostat and coolant a month or so ago. Just took a trip loaded 2 bikes on a frame mounted hitch rack along with luggage etc. It was about 90 degs outside and pulling some pretty steep hills with a/c on. Kept running over 200 degs needle almost at 12:00 or about 215 ? Is this normal ?? I know its a long way from the red zone but seems high. i stopped and felt hoses and they seemed hot but not boiling ?? Thermo was 195 I believe not sure how accrute the gage is car has 200k on it and runs god both cooling fans working, ideas ???

sounds normal to me... espcially if only put a 195 in... try a 180

Doesn't seem abnormal, especially because there can be some slop in the gauge readouts. If you hooked up a scantool your actual coolant temperature may be lower than indicated. Heck, even with a recent coolant flush, 180 degree thermo, and reprogrammed fans, I still get over 200 down here in Arizona.

Another thing to consider is the altitude you're driving at. When I had a fully loaded car coming through the mountains on the way from Flagstaff to Phoenix, I got quite a ways over 200 in the thin air. Just be aware of your temperature, and turn off the A/C if necessary. I know it sucks, but you do what you gotta do.

I may be chiming in late, but bleed the air out of the system a few times using the bleeder on the water neck where the upper radiatior hose connects to the engine. Trapped air can cause that. It helps to drive the car on ramps and get the front end in the air.