I was driving today on the highway and the car start to get pretty hot( Stock Gauge) i got up to about 80% at one point but the weird part is, when i'd stop at a light then drive off rather hard, it would drop to about 40%. I popped the hood and there where no signs of overheating. When we got home I decided to change the thermostat and noticed that there wasn't on in the car. I had a leaky caps(top one) as well and we added/fixed both. Could my gauge or sensor be messed up? I know the gauge isn't accurate but im sure it'll read really hot or really cold. Thanks

 

running no thermostat ... that would mean the car wouldn't be at optimum temperature and with leaky caps that would mean pressure loss... change caps, hoses, flush system and make sure the fan clutch is okay and water pump isnt leaking from the ... cant find the word... theres a little hole at the bottom of the pump ... if you see oil or dirt sticking its usually bad.

 

if your still on the stock radiator i would suggest changing it. it is around 20 years old. i know koyos are really good and bolt right up.

 

Well, i've got a new radiator and a good water pump. The systems been flushed about a month ago. The leaky caps where fixed and i can't find anymore leaks. What gets me is that it just happened outta nowhere signaling a failed part but as far as i see everythings running right. It weird ;\

 

o forgot to mention the efan and yes it works

 

Since it cools down when you're moving, that suggests the e-fan is not pulling enough air.

Look into a stronger fan of a bigger radiator.

 

he is right!!!!

 

No, you got that backwards. Its fine at idle/city driving. When i slowed down at a light after driving 75mph for about 20 min, it cooled after i took off, then heated again. Its weird.

 

Its seem likes a Blown Head gasket to me! j/k


well check all the water temp sensor, make sure you have a thermo stats, a properly pressured pressure cap and no leaks. Also did you check coolant reservoir tank, if its full to the top or empty there might be something wrong with the cooling system.

 

You didn't overheat. Radiator not necessary unless you upgrade power on a turbo.

You'll run cooler with a good thermostat. Get an OEM one. Without a thermostat a lot of your coolant bypasses the radiator.

Other stuff that'll help temps a little: Lisle funnel to remove air (search), making sure you still have your plastic undertray to help direct air, replacing foam around radiator to provide a good seal, replacing plastic in front of radiator with a flat piece of aluminum sheet (or whatever) on top to allow easier flow, products like water wetter. Stick with 50:50 antifreeze:water. More water will reduce temps but it'll also reduce the boiling point. Plus you need antifreeze for anti-corrossion additives.

And Evan's coolant has a boiling temp of 375F so it's virtually impossible to overheat w/o a coolant leak. But Evan's is pricey. Search for more info.

 

^ well thanks for the info ^ i'm running a high coolant to water ratio and the radiator cover on top and plastic undertray on the bottom is removed. I notice alot of pressure after long runs and im guessing this is from my coolant boiling. I'll try to drain some out and put in more water.