another overheating question

[Liberato]

Hust had new radiator and thermostat put on. Yesterday it started steaming a little at a light even though it was only around 200 on the guage. I felt the lower radiator hose and it was cold. So I put in a new thermostat, thought maybe the mechanic put in wrong one or lied. Now today it was doing good and then started to get into the red. No smoke from the exhaust, could it be an air bubble in the tank? Or any other ideas?

[protek22]

Originally Posted by Liberato

Hust had new radiator and thermostat put on. Yesterday it started steaming a little at a light even though it was only around 200 on the guage. I felt the lower radiator hose and it was cold. So I put in a new thermostat, thought maybe the mechanic put in wrong one or lied. Now today it was doing good and then started to get into the red. No smoke from the exhaust, could it be an air bubble in the tank? Or any other ideas?

I would suggest getting a 'Block Check' done. This is a chemical test for exhaust gases in your coolant. If the test is positive (chemical color changes to clear or yellow), your problem is likely a breached head gasket. If negative (chemical color remains blue), your problem is probably in the cooling system itself, radiator, waterpump etc. Block Check kits are available from NAPA Auto Stores for about $50.00. Any good mechanic or dealer knowledgable in this area, should also be able to do one for you. Since head gaskets are expensive repairs ($2500.00 - $3000.00), and common causes of Northstar overheating, you'd want to rule this out first, via the 'Block Check'.

Best of luck,
Protek22

[jasmath]

Another option, maybe. Did your mechanic use the right temp thermostat for the replacement? Are you using DEX coolant. I don't think the coolant will matter in the short run, but will in the long one. The Aurora runs at a higher temp and uses a higher temp thermostat but I check a manual since I don't recall an exact number.