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Originally posted by Star Turbo Talon

Originally posted by bokchoi Welp, I installed a new thermostat (160 from Howell) and when I removed my old thermostat I found it in pieces, so I thought that would've been my overheating issue. After the installation however, I warmed up my car and noticed the same symptoms. My temp needle was 3/4 above again (between normal and HOT). So I guess it wasn't my thermostat then? I didnt drain the coolant like the Chilton said, but I did install it on a cold engine (car parked for a week). I checked both my fans and they are both in working condition. Any other suggestions? Thanks

First off, Drain all the coolant and refill with new coolant. Go for a 50/50 water to coolant mix. Antifreeze keeps the coolabnt from boiling/freezing. More antifreeze will raise the boiling point and lower the freezing point. More water will make the coolant heat up faster. This is why you want a correct mix. You can buy a gauge for measuring themixture of your coolant at any parts store for less than 10.00 and it will tell you what temps you are good for. Burb the system properly. Let the car run and heat up till the thermostat opens. Keep the system full of coolant till all the air burps out. Turn on your heater as well and make sure your getting hot air. Cool air meant air pocket in the Heater core. You wont hear and noises if you have air in the head/block. You can get a funnel that attaches to the water neck to make this easier but if your low on funds, its no necassary. When the car gets warm, insert a thermometer in the water neck to measure the temp. You can get a thermometer for less than 10.00 also at most parts stores. This will give you an idea if the gauge is wrong and the sending unit has taken a shit. If your burping the coolant and the coolant level keeps rising and lowering or you cant seem to get the air to stop comming out, then you may have a blown head gasket. Next, take your car to the car wash and use the high pressure sprayer to spray the radiator fins out. You want to spray from the inside of the engine bay towards the front of the car. I know it is difficult with the fans but you have to do it to make sure the radiator is not clogged. This should solve your issue. Becareful with some of the info above, there is bad info posted. Running without a thermostat can cause you to never heat up in the winter and overheat in the summer because the coolant doesnt have a chance to cool down in the radiator. A broken thermostat will create enough resistance to keep you from overheating but you may have noticed a problem warming up if you live where the winters get really cold. Terry