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Coolant problem
Posted: May 25th, 2006, 12:25 am
by Jay72
I'm driving up to the cottage and I'm only cruising at 120km/h. I then realize that the temp gauge is at 3/4. So, I slow down to 100km/h and the temp comes down to normal. After a while I try 120 again and it does the same thing, up 3/4. So, I drove 100km/h and an hour later I pull into a gas station. Check the coolant reservoir and it's down to the "low" line. Before I left, both fluids have been checked at full. Anyway, I pumped the coolant hose (right side) to maybe get air pockets out. Usually, doing this gets some coolant back into the reservoir but, it didn't. So, I topped it up and went on my way. The temp gauge stayed at normal temp ever since.
I just replaced my water pump belt last week. Why would this happen? does it sound like my waterpump is dying? Hose leak? Should I just drain and fill my coolant in case there's a clog in the rad? There was no sign of coolant drip on the ground. I have a KLZE and the tap made for the coolant temp sensor was not the right thread (tiny leak). Could this cause that problem?
Thanks
Posted: May 25th, 2006, 12:31 am
by XxantwawnxX
I had similar problems, i replaced the coolant cap thats attached to the Fan on the radiator on the driver side(the one where the overflow resovoir attaches to with the hose.) and it fixed the prob. The lil release valve was broke or sumthing(although it looked fine). Just sumthing to look into its cheap.
Posted: May 27th, 2006, 7:49 am
by sonue1
I have had my fair share off cooling problems, the first thing i would check
is the thermostat.
Posted: May 27th, 2006, 4:02 pm
by Jay72
When I did the swap I got a new thermostat installed. Could it be bad? It's been fine since I've been back from the cottage.
Posted: May 31st, 2006, 1:05 pm
by Wino
I have seen bad thermostats right out of a box.
For piece of mind and cheapness I would eliminated the thermostat.
U can check it with a thermometer on boiling water if u want
but i would replace it and eliminated it
cheers
Wino
Posted: May 31st, 2006, 4:43 pm
by PATDIESEL
Usually a bad thermostat will make the car run cool all the time as all of the ones they make fail in the open position. However, if they manufactured it wrong it could be not opening when it should or not opening all the way.
The thermostat is not the easiest thing to check.
First since you didn't do a flush and refill of the radiator do that. It needs to be done anyway. Make sure to use a bottle of flush as per the directions. Then drain and refill with the premixed stuff. Easier and no hassle or concern.
Then if it continues check the thermostat. I usually just buy a new one instead of checking the old one. They are too cheap for me to spend 30 minutes checking it when it only takes 10 to get to the store and get a new one for 10 bucks.
It is good that you squeeze the air out, it is a common problem for the colling system to hit a ai pocket if they are not all worked out.
Just a note, NEVER add cool water to a warm car. Let the car cool completely down before adding any radiator fluid or water or you chance cracking or warping the heads. The car is cool when you turn the key to he on position and the temp guage does not move up at all.
Posted: May 31st, 2006, 5:59 pm
by jschrauwen
Your leak by the thermosensor should be easily fixed by using an automotive teflon tape on the threads. A complete flush and fill can do wonders especially if you use a quality product to run through the whole sytem to remove years of deposits in the engine, lines and especially the rad. If you have no idea as to when there has ever been a flush and fill, I'd do a double whammy on that one to really give the system a good flushing. When all is said and done, if you're inclined to do so, you can increase your systems cooling abilities by using Red Lines "Water Wetter". Follow the instructions and it should give your system a slightly better ability to keep things cool. It's also available at Canadian Tire stores. My cooling system gets a complete flush and fill every 2 years. g/l Jay
Posted: June 1st, 2006, 12:08 am
by Jay72
Well, I've put the thread wrap on a while ago and it helped but, still leaks a tiny bit. Maybe I should do another application? I had the coolant drained when I had the swap done but, not neccessarily flushed. Is there a difference?