i need a new one, would a 160 degree be too much? also how would i go about flushing the coolant system to try and remove air pockets?
thermostat?
- Thread starter 4.6litrebeater
- Start date
Dark Knight GT
I can't get it up......ok that didn't sound right.
A 160 degree thermostat would probably be too cool for a vehicle that sees cold weather driving. If you drive your car during all the seasons, a 180* thermostat would probably be best. You will need to get the computer programed for the fan to switch on sooner though with the new thermostat.
As for flushing the system, Prestone makes something called "Coolant flush" which you can use. You can buy it at most of any auto parts store. As for removing air pockets, you're going to get them. Just drive the car normally after adding the new coolant and then check the car when its cool. Once the air pressure is released, if it needs more coolant, simply add it as needed.
As for flushing the system, Prestone makes something called "Coolant flush" which you can use. You can buy it at most of any auto parts store. As for removing air pockets, you're going to get them. Just drive the car normally after adding the new coolant and then check the car when its cool. Once the air pressure is released, if it needs more coolant, simply add it as needed.
white99gt
Founding Member
I wouldnt go below a 180* t stat.
As far as air pockets..Fill the car up as much as possible and let it idle with the heat on..Filling as needed..This should get most out..Then after getting it up to operating temps let it cool off and top the fluids off again..
As far as air pockets..Fill the car up as much as possible and let it idle with the heat on..Filling as needed..This should get most out..Then after getting it up to operating temps let it cool off and top the fluids off again..
cool, anyway i was trying to flush the system today, with the engine running anmd the cap off it still overflows after about 10-15 minutes whats up with that, now i got a check engine light, ****
Dark Knight GT
I can't get it up......ok that didn't sound right.
You should never run the motor and leave the radiator cap off. Not a good idea. Remember, the "coolant" does exactly what it says. It "cools" the internals of the motor by absorbing the heat within itself. What happens when a liquid gets hot ? It builds up pressure and it has to move somewhere. If the cap is off, it will simply spew out the top. Thats why you should let it run, then, stop the motor, let it cool for a bit, then come back and SLOWLY remove the radiator cap and let the pressure leak out slowly. Then check your fluid level.
hobbes80
Founding Member
Another vote for 180*... any lower and the coolant won't sit in the radiator long enough to cool down before the t-stat opens up again. 
how-stuff-works has a great flash on it...
How Stuff Works -- Car Thermostat
how-stuff-works has a great flash on it...
How Stuff Works -- Car Thermostat
what do you think about the car blowing coolant out the radiator cap? its tight and new but it leaks out when the car gets warm, a **** load came out last time and splattered all over my driveway leaving it covered in coolant right when i got home. i thought the slow leak might be due to heat building up because of a bad thermo, but now im not so sure. i made a post about this a while back and i was told the over flow tank is bad, im not sure how that would happen??
hobbes80
Founding Member
Get a new radiator cap. They are cheap. Autozone has them.... also, when you first fill it up, if there is "too much" then it blows off the extra. (someone correct me if I'm wrong)4.6litrebeater said:
hobbes80
Founding Member
but it doesnt just blow off the extra, itll slow leak, then after awhile itll spew out most of the overflow tank
hobbes80
Founding Member
Oh, why didn't you say so?4.6litrebeater said:
Check the connection at the bottom of the radiator and see if it's leaking from there instead of from the cap, for some reason that hose leaks more often.... though if it's spewing out of the overflow tank, it sounds like there is just too much in there... I mean, that's what its there for... to overflow if it's too full.
I think someone was having an issue where the top piece of the radiator cracked and was having a leak by the cap... don't remember the details. Maybe one of the other experts will chime in with more wisdom than I have.
