[Dar01]

It seems to me your "fan" arguments are just a band aid....something else is going on. My temp is always between the 8 and the 0 (180), driving around the fans do not come on and the temp stays right there. If I am in stop and go it rises slightly (still no fans)......if I am sitting for a train lets say for 5 minutes or so, the temp rises slightly still and the front fans come on. I have only heard the engine compartment fans 2 or 3 times.....sitting long periods, hot summer day. I still don't remember my temp gauge ever leaving the "0" (180) it could have, just not sure.

If you are constantly over 200 something is going on.....thermostat going bad, but usually when those go bad they stick open and the car never reaches correct operating temp because it is wide open.

I cleaned my radiators as you did, and did not notice any "lowering" of the engine temp (I had a LOT of crap between the radiators!).

I remember reading a post where someone had said the biggest temp drop they saw in their car was a coolant flush and fill. You might want to try that and a new thermostat. Again, just my opinion if somebody wants to chime in.....I just don't think it's a fan issue....sounds like they are working like they should.

2000, base 2.7, no third radiator.

Keep us posted!