Semi-overheating?

[The Radium King]

the engine likes to steady-state at 180. folks with low temp (160) tstats note that their cars still run at 180, even with the tstat open sooner and more often. so, something has thrown your engine off. the coolant loss is disturbing but perhaps was low before and just not noticed? similarly the bang might just be coincidence. as all have noted, a visual inspection is the best step - underbody panels, serpentine belt, coolant hoses, water pump, tstat housing, idler pulleys, a/c and alternator pulley, radiators (noting that the a/c condensers are in front and block full view).

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by The Radium King

the engine likes to steady-state at 180. folks with low temp (160) tstats note that their cars still run at 180, even with the tstat open sooner and more often.

Beg to differ; folks with the 160 stats coolant is actually running cooler (usually around 170-174F steady state) while the inaccurate and non linear dash display continues to indicate around 180 or so. Cars with the OEM stat also show nearly the same dash indication, but are actually running at more like 210F. The dash gauge is little more than an idiot light that moves, and any indication that is even remotely correct is pure coincidence..........