i have this problem…
i just flushed the radiator and… it runs really well… and heats up to normal temp… but… when i’m on the freeway… going about 80 mph the motor cools down to 1/5 of gauge… get off the freeway… and warms back up…
did i mix the coolant to lean/rich???
ideas??
thanks
Getting your coolant mix wrong or right doesn’t make a difference based on the actual problem that you’re having. A proper coolant mix determines how low (in temperature) it can protect your engine during winter, and how high (in temperature) it can protect your engine during summer. There’s a slight chance it could be your thermostat or you missed a step during the flushing/draining/refilling stage.
Regards,
Oz
It’s you thermostat…
The same thing happened to me about a month ago, minus the self-service of the coolant. My car spontaneously started cooling off when going fast, ie. when there was a lot of wind on the radiator. The problem is with your thermostat. It is stuck in the open position so that your engine cools off exessively on the highway, then returns to normal or near-normal temperature when in city traffic. I had my local dealer replace it for about $90. If you are mechanical you can do it yourself.
I concur…malfunctioning thermostat. Replace ASAP.
yep I’m about to replace my thermostat too, should I replace the rad cap as well? cause I’ve been running with a bad thermostat for about 1 1/2 weeks now… but it’s been stuck open lucky me
Sounds like the thermostat. I had the same problem earlier this year. Replaced it with a $9 Stant 180 degree thermostat and all is well. Don’t bother testing the old one it’s not worth the trouble.
thermostat replacement
So, of the people who’ve replaced the thermostat themselves - How long did it take? Is it pretty easy, or a pain? I have the same problem and plan to fix it myself. I have the parts (thermostat & gasket) but wanted to know how much time to alocate for this project.
I doubt it would be too hard, except it seems to me that the thermostat is kind of hard to get at. Is that what you’ve found?
Also, when you replace it, is it necessary to have form-a-gasket stuff? Or is the thermostat and pre-made gasket all you need?
Let me know,
THANKS!
Re: thermostat replacement
Originally posted by dand
[B]So, of the people who’ve replaced the thermostat themselves - How long did it take? Is it pretty easy, or a pain? I have the same problem and plan to fix it myself. I have the parts (thermostat & gasket) but wanted to know how much time to alocate for this project.
I doubt it would be too hard, except it seems to me that the thermostat is kind of hard to get at. Is that what you’ve found?
Also, when you replace it, is it necessary to have form-a-gasket stuff? Or is the thermostat and pre-made gasket all you need?
Let me know,
THANKS! [/B]
Well,
Torinoteg will have to flush his coolant again - I believe - in order to replace the thermostat. Otherwise, you’ll have coolant leaking all over the place. Looking at the Haynes Manual, it sounds like an easy job after you’ve flushed the coolant and manage to get at the thermostat itself…I could be wrong.
Regards,
Oz
I took my time and took over an hour. I recommend draining the coolant and removing the air intake tube before doing it. As for the gasket, I used the one that came w the new thermostat. No leaks so far.
thanks alot for the replies guys… yea… that seems to be exactly the problem… the only problem i had was decreased gas mileage cuz of the high idles… but anyways… is it hard??? it seems pretty easy… the only question is… how do i get to it(thermostat)???
thanks
Yes, mpg does go down and the heater doesn’t blow warm air anymore. The thermostat is located in the lower radiator hose inlet on the engine. Just follow the lower radiator hose to the engine, disconnect it, remove the inlet and you’ll see the thermostat. here’s a link to the Helms manual cooling section scanned by member Blackteg http://downloads.members.tripod.com/blackteg0/helms/10.pdf