Heating Problem

I have had this cooling problem for a while, but now it's getting bad. When I'm at an idle the temp goes between the 210 mark and the red 260. As soon as I start driving it goes down to the 160 mark on the temp. gauge. Today while I was waiting at a stop light it almost went into the red and the temp. light came on. I have a new temporstat and just flushed out the radiator. I didn't notice any leaking when I added the coolant either. Also both fans a working, so I have no idea what’s going on!!!!

Could it be a problem with the water pump? Also did the color of the antifreeze look normal.

I'd also take a look at the water pump if you have put in a new t-stat. I'd also try to rule out the coolant temp sensor as well because cooling your engine down to 160 just by driving seems really odd.

The color of the antifreeze looked normal a little rust that’s why I flushed it out. One thing I didn't really understand is when I drained the antifreeze it didn't drain from the reserve. The antifreeze in the reserve looks really old too, is there a separate way of draining the reserve??? How would I check if the water pump is working???

That's a good question, I'm not sure of an easy, clean way to test that the water pump is working.... :uhoh:
Also, when was the last time the radiator cap was tested/replaced? Is it possible it's not holding pressure? I don't know if the cap is the answer to your original problem, but it could explain why the resevoir level isn't moving.

I don't think there a problem with the radiator cap, but I can get it tested. I just added 1/4 of a gallon of antifreeze to see if it's still going to overheat. However that doesn't fix the problem.

When you flushed the radiator, did you make sure to bleed all the air out of the system?

Do you know that the engine is getting hot (do you see steam anywhere) or are you just looking at the gauge?

Here are some threads that may prove useful:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=769781

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=769538

No there is never any steam and when I noticed it was overheating I pulled over rite away to cool down the car. I did not bleed the air out of the system. By running the car with the radiator cap off and slowly adding anti-freeze the best way to do it???

The thermostat housing has a little bleeder screw that you loosen in order to bleed the air out of the system. Loosen that screw and start the car. Once coolant starts coming out, tighten the screw back up. You can also add coolant at the radiator fill neck and in the resevoir to speed things up. I'd also recommend you get your cap tested.
While this all may help, I'm not convinced this is your issue. From what I've read so far, you're not totally sure your car is really overheating beyond from what your temp gauge says, correct? It's sounding more and more like a bad temp sensor.

I bleeded the air out, there definitely was air in the system, when I drive it to work tomorrow I'll see what happens. How to you drain the reservoir because the antifreeze in it looks dirty? Thanks for the help!!!!

What badn Stat did you install?

210-260 is WAY too hot, You are approaching the temp where heads start to crack and warp and head gaskets blow.

Next time it gets hot, feel your upper and lower radiator hoses. Let me know if both are hot, or both are cold, or if one is hot and one is cold.

I bleeded the air out, there definitely was air in the system, when I drive it to work tomorrow I'll see what happens. How to you drain the reservoir because the antifreeze in it looks dirty? Thanks for the help!!!!

I know there are different styles, but if yours is like mine, then there are two nuts that hold the resevoir on top of the strut tower. Take those two nuts off, pull the resevoir up, disconnect the hose going to the radiator and it's out.

It's not overheating but the temp. rises to 210 when ideling. Is that normal??

If it was really hot outside, you had your A/C going, and you were at idle for quite a while, then I would say its reasonable, but otherwise probably not.

210 is within acceptable levels, especially during extended idling. The thermostat is regulated at 195, and the fan's won't kick in until 225-230, so while idling 210 is not out of the norm.

210 is within acceptable levels, especially during extended idling. The thermostat is regulated at 195, and the fan's won't kick in until 225-230, so while idling 210 is not out of the norm.


Is it obvious I'm used to my 180 t-stat? :tongue:

Since I bleeded the air out the system it has been running cool...hopefully it stays that way. Thanks everyone for your help!!!!

:bananasmi