cooling system issues?

[TheWanderer]

I saw this in another thread, but can't find it again (and sadly I did respond to it)...So here goes...

First off, I AM NOT overheating.... I have replaced the radiator cap with a Stant Lev-r-vent 13 lb cap, and also ran new 60/40 mix through the radiator and replaced the thermostat with a failsafe.

Now on to the problem: I noticed tonight that my valve cover was extremely hot (to the point that I burnt myself)... It has always been a bit warm, but never this hot. My upper and lower radiator hoses were also rock hard and warmer to the touch than normal. And all my coolant was in the overflow tank. All this after about 15 miles of driving normal (not beating on the car)

Common sense tells me (I.E., my g/f's dad) that its either a bad thermostat (unlikely), blocked radiator, or water pump. Any ideas guys? Does this sound about right? Before I flushed the radiator, I ran almost straight water (20/80 mix I would guess) in the car for about a week and a half straight, seeing as I lost most of my coolant when replacing the TB coolant hose from the heater core line to the TB. When I drained it, I ran water through the thermo housing until it ran out clear as day. Followed the Haynes manual to the letter...

I know the car is well overdue for a water pump, as per Mitsu recommendations, as well as timing belts (has 106k on all original belts and pump from 92).... I have all the parts, but seeing as I am selling the car I have been putting it off... Plus I don't have the time or the cash to do everything...

As far as I know, the fan kicks on, and I do have some sort of fluid flow...

What do you guys thing? I could use some suggestions here, before I spend 300 to get the timing belt and water pump put on....

 

[thorlief4g63]

So your question is what exactly? Seems like there was a few in there.

 

[TheWanderer]

Well, I guess my question would be has anyone else experienced this problem, and if so, what was the solution?

 

[redline2k6]

first of all did you "burp" the system of air?
2nd id replace the water pump soon if its never been change.
you could also flush the cooling system to clean out any crap, that may be in there

just 3 simple things that will help

 

[TheWanderer]

first of all did you "burp" the system of air?
2nd id replace the water pump soon if its never been change.
you could also flush the cooling system to clean out any crap, that may be in there

just 3 simple things that will help

From what I have read on here (and I believe it was defiant who said it in the other thread I can't find) I don't need to "burp" the system, as the air will work itself out when I run the heat in the car, which I did right after I flushed the system... Although when I flushed the system, I didn't use a cleaner like prestone, etc... just a 20/80 (roughly) mix of coolant/water.

 

[gordy3683]

air in your cooling system will cause you to run hot. also you said as far as you know the fans are working, well make sure dont assume ### for all you know they might not be.

 

[DSM1G90]

All this after about 15 miles of driving normal (not beating on the car)

Where is your front license plate mounted? on the normal bracket where the plate crosses the bumper, or have you got it mounted low - in the middle of the air intake opening for the radiator?

Why I ask this is that I've learned this the hard way that if anyone mounts the front plate in the front airstream, you've got a nice airdam there where the plate will actually push the air away from the radiator and cause overheating - no matter what provisions you do.

Outside of that: you never mentioned what the inside temp gauge is reading (supposed to be in the 11:30 o'clock positon with a 185* thermostat on 1G cars) when you experiencing this hot situation. If it's getting pegged close to the red area of the gauge, then I would say, clogged radiator, water pump thinking on calling it quits - just some sort of blockage is goings on there.

What I do on inserting a T-stat in any vehicle is to drill a .050 hole in the flange so the system will easily burp (that is if the T-stat doesn't have a wiggle valve on it..) the air out.

good luck - DSM

 

[rarson]

I know the car is well overdue for a water pump, as per Mitsu recommendations, as well as timing belts (has 106k on all original belts and pump from 92)

I'll say! You must have some pretty good luck.

 

[TheWanderer]

Where is your front license plate mounted? on the normal bracket where the plate crosses the bumper, or have you got it mounted low - in the middle of the air intake opening for the radiator?

Why I ask this is that I've learned this the hard way that if anyone mounts the front plate in the front airstream, you've got a nice airdam there where the plate will actually push the air away from the radiator and cause overheating - no matter what provisions you do.

Outside of that: you never mentioned what the inside temp gauge is reading (supposed to be in the 11:30 o'clock positon with a 185* thermostat on 1G cars) when you experiencing this hot situation. If it's getting pegged close to the red area of the gauge, then I would say, clogged radiator, water pump thinking on calling it quits - just some sort of blockage is goings on there.

What I do on inserting a T-stat in any vehicle is to drill a .050 hole in the flange so the system will easily burp (that is if the T-stat doesn't have a wiggle valve on it..) the air out.

good luck - DSM

Front license plate is irrelevant, I live in PA where we dont have one.

As for the temp reading inside the car, its halfway between the cold and hot marks on the gauge. Almost straight up and down.

Rarson: I bought the car this way. I have put 10k miles on it myself like this its either luck or quality craftsmanship...hopefully the latter of the 2