cooling problem...

[Foxfan88]

ok i got my car all back together.
it will start up and idle fine. i have the radiator cap off. i fill up the radiator and wait for the t-stat to open. the temp gauge wont read a thing for like 5- 10 mins.

then ALL OF A SUDDEN it rised from nothing to around 225 degrees within like 5 secs.... settles there and then slowly rises.

then i shut the car off and coolant PUKES out of the radiator.
i feel the upper rad hose and its cold. no coolant has passed though it at all. like the t-stat didnt open.

but if thats the case why wouldnt the temp guage slowly rise as it warms up. if there is coolant circulating in the engine and if the t-stat is closed it outa slowly heat up and then finally open the t-stat.

mine just stays super cool and doesnt register on my gauge and then all of a sudden jumps to 200+ in like 5 secs.

i am pretty sure the t-stat is installed the correct way. i am going to take it off later and check for sure. maybe it could be stuck. i just bought it the other day maybe i got a crappy one by bad luck. also thought it could be an air bubble. but i think there is a burp hole on the thermostat.

any more ideas??

 

[2000xp8]

Where did you get the thermostat? I've crappy chain store t stats that didn't work when brand new.
I like the mr. gasket, it's only like $10

 

[Foxfan88]

its a cheapie 3 dollar one. from oreilys

i am thinking its the t-stat. the temp sending unit for my gauge is reading. and if its getting to that then it should be hitting the t-stat, its less than a foot away from there and on the same level.

but its still strange how the gauge acts. it sits at the bottom not even reading and then all of a sudden hot coolant gets to it and it jumps up fast up to over 200+ degrees.

 

[wythors]

Sounds like the t-stat is installed backwards. Remember, pointy end towards the hose, spring end towards the engine.

 

[BigHairyMonkey]

^ im with wythors. I did the same stupid mistake when i installed my mr gasket t-stat and couldnt figure out why i was overheating..

 

[ttop88]

T-stat assbackwards will do that. A huge air pocket will too tho.

 

[Foxfan88]

i am going to check when i get a chance, its been snowing all day so its all messy lol.

 

[strtrcr50]

Sounds like an air bubble to me. Why not try jacking the front of the car up when you do that?

 

[PUNISHER RACING]

let it puke it will get all the air out leave it run and keep a hose handy, just watch your gauge!

 

[monte87]

Dude-

Do not use cheap T-stats, Use Mr. Gasket its truly balanced tested and hi-perf and opens up on the designated rated like clockwork. screw all others. Thats my opinion. i always used them and never ever have a problem.

Ant

 

[Foxfan88]

well i gave her one more try before i took out the t-stat. i jacked the front end up and let her run. she puked up a little bit of water and then the level dropped and the t-stat opened. there was just a huge air pocket in the engine.

its full of coolant now and cools great!!

 

[monte87]

FYI- Mr. Gasket's come with bleeder hole, that does all that for you without having to jack anything up. Just for future reference. You take the cap off, let it run and watch the bubbles, when the therm opens, slap the cap on-Easy as that. Mr. Gaskets are the best in my book!

Later Ant