QX4 running too cool/ timing too retarted?

[Joe99qx4]

Hi, I'm a noobie to this forum, but have been reading comments for some time now. lots of great info here

What I bring to the table today is a question I have that affects the performance and fuel economy of my QX4, with the 3.3l engine.

Qx4 runs slow and is a gas hog, which I know is a characteristic of this car, but I'm not sure if it's running as effecient as it could be.

1. With a code scanner, I find that on a 70 degree day, the computer says the coolant temperature is between 150 - 175 degrees. For example, it takes about 20 minutes to get to work, city driving. Most of the way there it's around 155 - 165. Around the end of my trip when I'm doin gmore stopping because of traffic lights, it gets up to the 170's. I tested the coolant sensor, by taking a thermometer and placing it in the radiator and the temperature on my scanner and what is on the thermometer is about the same. Isn't she running on the cold side? .

2. The scanner says that my ignition timing is about 7 - 10 degrees BTDC at idle. Is this an accurate reading or do I need to check the timing with a timing light? It should be 15 degrees. Also, if the timing is really this retarded, would it cause the engine to run cool, like described above?

3. It takes me about 20 minutes to get to work, doing city driving. The coolant does not get warmer that 175 after 20 minutes. Also, the system does not go into a closed loop until the end of my trip; the whole way there it's in open loop. Is this because of my coolant temperature or could it be because of a bad o2 sensor?

By the way, there are no codes or errors. Any input would be great.

[Joe99qx4]

OH..another thing is the torque converter seems to take longer then normal to lock up...all seems to point to the engine taking longer to warm up.. I started the engine cold, took the radiator cap off and did not see coolant moving, making me belive that the t-stat is not stuck open

[Joe99qx4]

So this weekened, I checked the timing and it's 15 degrees BTDC, so the timing does not appear to be an issue. My scanner tool still shows that my engine for the most part runs at 165 - 170 degrees. I think this is causing my extra fuel comsumption and maybe causing the computer to stay most of the time in open loop. I'm thinking of replaing the T-stat.

From what I understand, if the oxygen sensor is heated enough and the engine is warm enough, it switches to closed loop, but what does not make sense to me is i will start the engine and after driving for about 5 minutes, it sometimes switches to closed loop, even though the engine temp is around 120- 130. Then later on, after the engine gets closer to the 160's, it switches back to open loop and even at steady driving, it wil stay in open loop..still researching

[Pwnin O'Brien]

The only think I can think of off the top of my head that would make the vehicle run cool as well as increase fuel consumption is a fan clutch that has failed, thus keeping the fan at 100% duty and running when it doesn't need to.

[Chuck Tribolet]

A retarded spark will make it run HOT, not cold. The spark is firing late, soa lot of the burn doesn't produce power, but still produces heat. I once firedup a new motor in a '68 Firebird 400 ragtop and was stunned at how fast itboiled over with a retarded spark.

I'd be thinking thermostat failed open.

Chuck

[Joe99qx4]

This weekened, I replaced the thermostat and this fixed the issue. The car now runs around 190- 195 and the timing now shows around 15 BTDC. thanks for everyones help