Running much warmer after valve job

Hello Hyundai folks ...

This is a 1990 Excel Gl that I purchased new back then.
It's been a dream of a little car, with only scheduled
maintenance to keep it going .. until last week when it
burned an exhaust valve.

I had the work done at a reputable little shop here in
town (where the temps at the present time are averaging
around ten below to ten above zero). I've always been
used to this vehicle being a "cold blooded" sort, being
very much aware of the position of the heat gauge always
staying real close to the "c" at the bottom, unless the
outside temp is over 80 or so, and then it runs a bit
warmer.

They replaced the number 3 cylindar exhaust valve and
all the valve guides and ground the rest of the valves.
Right away, as I drove the car from the shop yesterday,
when it was four above zero in the afternoon, I watched
in dismay as the heat gauge went about half way up,
which I'd never seen it do before on a cold day. I
pulled over and let the car sit with the engine off for
a full five minutes, then got out and checked the oil.
It was at the "max" mark, so that was not the problem.

I drove the car around town as usual, as is required by
my job, and noticed that the heat guage pretty much
stays in the half-way area, now, and not down low where
it used to stay in these conditions.

I called the shop and the mechanic said that "it is
normal for an engine that's been taken apart to run
hot for a little while."

Ummmm.. any thoughts on this from you folks familiar
with these engines (1990 was the last year Hyundai put
Mitzubishi engines in their cars, I am told).

Your input much appreciated,

-- J.B.

 

I've always been

Chances are that they actually fixed your car which was running too cold
earlier, most probably due to faulty thermostat valve. Overheating is not
good, but overcooling is also bad for your engine. Your engine should heat
up and go to middle of temp. scale a soon as possible and stay there untill
switched off, regardless of the outside themperature.
So, be happy, they finally fixed your car properly.

PS. Your mileage also should be better now.


Cheers,

 

Around 'half-way' is where most automobile temp gauges
normally run.

S25