overheating

[diplomatpunk]

my 95 tarus is overheating and i changed the thermostat and radiator.the needle goes up to about where the a or the l on the meter are and the quikly shoots down to the n or the o on the gauge. i was wondering if it could be a sensor or something else.plese help im stuck.

[Jgordon0505]

I am almost having the same problem as you. My temp gauage slowly goes up to about the n and then backs down and eventually goes back up but it is not at a constant temperature.

[diplomatpunk]

thanks for the reply if somebody tells me outside of the bulliten board i will be sure to post the outcome.

[AaronLowe]

I'm having the same problem and my mechanic is having a terrible time figuring it out. Anyone figure out what this problem was?

[KimMG]

diplomatpunk- What temp thermostat are you using? When the temp is going up the thermostat is closed. When the thermostat opens, cold water from the radiator enters the engine causing the temp to drop. It is possible you may have a sticking thermostat (I know you said yours is new, but new does not always mean good). Also check the fan. Make sure it is spinning the right way, the bearings are good, and it is coming on at the right temp.

AaronLowe- I have a partially clogged radiator. While driving in town my temp guage will go up to about 3/4 of the way then drop down, whereas when I'm on the freeway the gauge will show 1/4 to 1/2 on the temp guage (the fluctuations are not as pronounced when I'm on the freeway). I have a 180 degree thermostat installed.

Jgordon0505- If it not running hot and the coolant level is correct, I wouldn't worry about it. The fluctuations you are seeing is the thermostat opening and closing.

[82KnightRider]

check if your fans r working properly

[diplomatpunk]

thanks for the help.the problem turned out to be a leaking timing cover gasket.i didnt know that the water was leaking and causing it to overheat.i took it to the mech. and he sealed it for me,but the problem now is that its now making a horrible noise(much like a vibrating).i was wondering if that had something to do with that or some damage it might have caused.it only did it yesterday when the car was hot,now it does it all the time,i was hoping you guys could help me find out if it was the timing belt or something like that that could be damaged.if i find out what it is ill be sure to post it soon as i get the info.thanks again.