About a month ago I flushed and refilled my coolant system because it hadnt been flushed in 2+ years. Unfortunately when I was driving home from my friends garage the car overheated, I didnt notice until the gauge said 2/3 to the top. I immediately pulled over and shut it off. Turned out that the thermostat was stuck closed. I replaced the thermostat but now every time I drive my 7 it heats up to 1/2 on the gauge rather than 1/4. My question is: does this mean my coolant seals are blown? Im not sure what else could be causing it because Ive checked everything, including: All coolant hoses, radiator for blocking, ignition timing (not personaly done), Radiator and filler cap for pressure and the water pump drivebelt. If there is something else you guys think I overlooked please say so. I have the Haynes repair manual but im a newbie to this stuff so im trying to learn everything I can. I got a feeling I need a new engine pretty soon.

Ive seen this test under the FAQ to see if the seals are blown but before I do that I thought I'd check with you guys first. Thnx for any info.

 

Use a coolant compreshion tester. it is a unit that goes over the cap hole and you presurize teh system to 13psi and see if it leaks down. If it does not leak your coolant seals are fine. If you dont have one you can get one from like oreilys for $35.00

It wont go below half. STOP DRIVING IT! Ok now take the thermostat out and see what happens. your nedel shouldent even leave the C bearly. Personaly I think its still a thermostat isue.

 

I had this problem too, but mine turned out to be a blocked radiator. Now I'm running with a Koyo rad, a cored thermostat, and blown coolant seals, and my temps rarely go over 1/4. Get another thermostat and "core" it, (reccomended as a temporary fix), search for it, I think RETed has done it. If that doesnt cure your temps, then I dunno. Blocked heater core maybe? Bad water pump?