scarr001

I changed out the thermostat. I started it with the cap off the radiator for 15 mins, took it for a drive, overheated. Took off cap too soon and it shot all over! Steam Stopped, put cap on...car on or off, temp pegged at hottest... I have done this before successfully, I don't know what I did wrong this time or how to get the temp back down to where it should be.
1992 v8 rs tbi

Ron U.S.M.C.

A 180* thermostat with a fan that comes on in that range should bring the car temperature also in that range.


You might have to burp the car by elevating the front end a little putting the radiator cap fill hole higher.


I also pump/squeeze the top radiator hose several times when trying to remove any air bubbles.


A inferred laser temperature gun is very handy and will give you the true engine temperature when pointing it at the thermoset housing and/or at the area surrounding the temperature sender for the gage.


link for the gun . Any of these will work = http://www.harborfreight.com/catalog...ult?q=temp+gun

scarr001

Thanks Ron,
Think I underestimated how much coolant/water sprayed out, lol, I think the radiator had no water in it and was really thirsty! Put some water in it, going to burp it again (thanks for the heads up about squeezing the hose) and will try this again...
Thanks for replying, it being superbowl and everything lol

scarr001

Well... After filling up the radiator, starting with the cap off (temp was good) was running about 5 mins, came out to water spraying out, turned off car...water and steam stopped, put cap on...cuz I am pretty mad that I can't bleed my stupid radiator! I have no means to raise the front end unless I jack it up

scarr001

Started normal temp, drove 1 mile, overheated but when I put the heater on...it didn't blow hot air? So confused now...am thinking of running it with the cap off and trying to bleed again, I'm, I can't think of anything more

Ron U.S.M.C.

You mention that this problem started when you replaced the thermostat.

I would check it to see if its stuck closed or (Please don't take offence )upside down.


After you get it out, just replace it with another or put the old one back in and see how it does.

naf

iTrader: (7)

a small hole drilled into the side of the t-stat will allow any air trapped beneath to escape.

dlinger

iTrader: (4)

Were you having problems before you replaced thermostat?

Ron U.S.M.C.

Follow up please ......

mrestrictrplate

iTrader: (2)

Naf you say drill a hole on the side of the t stat or on the bottom? Does this matter where you drill it?

gta_knight

ive heard of people drilling holes in the thermostat housing before, im just curious as to the benefits of this ?

obviously coolant will be able to get through with the thermostat closed but only a little amount so im guessing it would take slightly longer for it to warm up, but would it help cooling it down at all ?

UNCLE TOM

iTrader: (1)

drilling a small hole (1/8") allows air in system to escape . doing this allows one to purge/burp system with much less effort . us (really) old guys have done this for years . good luck ...

tom86iroc

iTrader: (1)

anytime i changed a thermostat i put the heat on too to circulate the coolant thru those lines as well never had a car overheat after that