New to Aurora

[1999]

I have recently purchased a 99 White Aurora ($800). When I first picked it up it had a bad miss. Found that one of the #5 exhaust valves was stuck wide open and the cam lube to that valve was rounded out. I have replaced the complete head and all upper end gaskets, and through all this did all the work without removing the engine or lifting the body off the frame. Time consuming and tedious but well worth the experience. I have the everything back together and the car is running. Yeah!!!! I have had not issues at all with anything (yet), all accessories work and no check engine lights. I have no engine vibration of any kind. (a little background on me. I have been been working on cars, industrial equipment and manufacturing automation for the past 20+ years)

I do have one concern with the car while running, and it may be the thermostat, but it tends to run "normally" just a little over the 200°f mark on the gauge.  Any issues like this out there, normal or not? 

[tigger]

Around 200 is normal. Just keep an eye on that gauge! You really don't want to overheat one of these engines...

Gotta ask, how many head bolts pulled out the threads when you changed out that head?

Anyway, welcome and post a pic when you can!

[Marc]

Welcome to ACNA!

[txrora]

Welcome to the club! You should post some pics of your ‘99.
And yeah, as said before, it’s normal for it to run a little over 200. Mine usually runs that high when I stop at lights or it’s idling for a little bit. But once I’m on the highway it cools down.