2001 Kia Optima

[quote=”drewjohn” post=169980]I just purchased a 2001 Kia Optima with 75000 miles. After I bought it, I noticed two issues:

1> When running the air conditioning, the engine runs really hot, just below critical, especially climbing hills,

2> The dashboard fuel gauge doesn’t register a full tank after filling up. This car is new to me so I am totally sure how many miles it can go between fill ups. Any suggestions.[/quote]

The dashboard fuel gauge doesn’t register a full tank after filling up
probably the float in the tank…. sometimes the lever gets conrostion on it… causing it not to move as easyly… it also could be the motor in you dash gauge.. or an electrical problem… but more of the time I see the float is the problem

When running the air conditioning, the engine runs really hot, just below critical, especially climbing hills—-
that one confuses me more…. you might be having a coolent problem…. and it could be a clogg starting to form…. when you engine is hot… but off… feel the uper and lower ratator hoses both should be about the same tempture… when your therimstat is open…
do you see any coolent leaks?? check for head gaskets leaks around the head and also check the oil for antifreeze indication… check the transmisstion fluid to see if its pink red or black and smell if its burned…it also might be water pump and thermistat. getting stuck..
when your engine starts to get hotter turn your heater on full bast and roll down your windows… that will help keep your engine cooler… but not you…LOL
let me know what you find out from those test

[quote=”drewjohn” post=169993]Is the float part of the fuel pump? or independent ?[/quote]
on newer cars it is part of the fuel pump assembly
http://www.thedieselstop.com/faq/9497faq/maint/vra/images/a16317a.gif
its called the float