Overheating

[bdooli5150]

Alright...96 with 163,000 on the clock. I flushed the cooling system, changed the thermostat, and dropped the radiator for a lengthy power-washing (you would not believe the amount of crap that was expelled from the radiator fins). I'm still running a little hot, but not nearly as hot as before, and it doesn't come on as fast. However, under highway driving or constant speed conditions on city streets (non 'stop & go' driving) and everything is fine (thermostat needle resting comfortably at about 24mph). What gives? I'm guessing water pump or belt...any suggestions?

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Replace your ECT and gauge sender (about $10/each). You should also check your reservoir tank for cracks (not necessarily leaking) that are preventing it from maintaining proper cooling system pressure.

 

[SHOZ123]

Did you clean out the A/C condenser too?

 

[bdooli5150]

Yeah, the condenser was cleaned as well; I also neglected to mention that I'd replaced the sensor when I changed the thermostat. I'll check for cracks in the tank this afternoon. Now, are these obvious cracks I'm looking for, or could a hairline crack cause a pressure leak?

 

[wuzzzer]

How high on the temp gauge does the needle go?

 

[bdooli5150]

Well, since the cleaning flushing and what have you, the highest it gets is about 3/4 of the way to 'H', or a little more. And, keep in mind, this is only while the vehicle has been running for a few and is stationary in traffic; while in motion, the temp needle levels back down to about 24mph.

 

[Mr. SHO]

That's still too high. I can run MAX A/C in 100 degree heat in stop and go traffic indefinitely w/o the needle even reaching halfway.

 

[Red Devil]

1. What is your distilled water/antifreeze ratio (60/40 is best IMNSHO)?
2. Have you tried water wetter yet (Red Line makes it, others make similar products, but I've had best luck with this)?
3. What condition is your w/p belt?
4. Have you verified fan functionality yet?

 

[bdooli5150]

1. What is your distilled water/antifreeze ratio (60/40 is best IMNSHO)?
2. Have you tried water wetter yet (Red Line makes it, others make similar products, but I've had best luck with this)?
3. What condition is your w/p belt?
4. Have you verified fan functionality yet?

1. Ratio is correct.
2. Have not tried yet; probably will tomorrow.
3. New - replaced today; nothing different.
4. Both fans are functional.

 

[SHOZ123]

I'd change the gauge sender.

 

[bdooli5150]

RedLine Water Wetter

Dropped in some RedLine water wetter yesterday...temp gauge never crossed over half way, during city driving, and even in todays 99 degree temps. Now I've got that predictable false 'Low Coolant' light to deal with. Thanks everyone for the input.

 

[SHOZ123]

Two ways to fix the low coolant light. Unplug it or get a new tank. For the price of new tanks on eBay I would just get a new one. The old one is probably ready to blow anyway.

 

[Red Devil]

If you saw that big of a change with just the Water Wetter, then something else was likely wrong. Typically it's the mix or scale/corrosion in the system if WW has that much of an impact. Don't blow it off, keep poking around or at least keep it in the back of your head everytime you get under the hood.