What would the normal engine operating temperature be for a 1998 Northstar engine? My cars dash info is telling me that my engine hits 222 deg F and then I noticed the cooling fans will kick on and the engine gets back down to 217 deg F, now this is running the engine for stop and go traffic. There is no leakage or overheating that I can see. The engine was just rebuilt due to head gasket failure so I am not convinced yet that my problem has been resolved. Also I'm wondering if the radiator should be pulled out and flushed-out due to build-up in the bottom cores? Thanks for any input you might have, If you could just run through your "driver information center" which is just pushing the Information button on the dash panel and tab through until the temperature display comes up and make a mental note of your engines temp and post your result so I have something to base my opinion (or worries) on.

 

Normal operation

 

Just an update, my wife has been driving the car to work and all her extra running around and the engine temp hit 223 deg F only once and immediately went back down to the (what seem's to be the correct) 117 deg F and stayed there. Sometimes the car only will get as high as 187 deg F during shorter trips.