tuffshizit24

After I came home from football practice today and parked my car in my drive way when i came back to go somewhere i notied a puddle of anti freeze under the car... i looked for leaks and found the cap had become loosen on the overflow tank and the tank had antifreeze dripping down the sides... i tightend the cap and continued driving.. as i drove i watched my temp gauge needle go from 220 to 225 all the way eventuall to 245 at its highest point... otherwise it averaged at 235.. the strange thing is the gauge would quickly change from 245 back to 230 back to 245... is this a guage defect??? if its not is this too hot.?? should i check for more leaks??? thanx guys

dankhound

The coolant flowing out of the overflow is a big clue that its not a faulty gauge. Your car is overheating. I wouldnt check for leaks but i would check for proper thermostat operation.

tuffshizit24

how do you check for proper thermostat operation?

dankhound

If you have a temp gun you can get the temp of the coolant coming out of the engine. The best way is to take it off the vehicle. It should be completly closed in 185 degree water and fully open at 205. Considering its only a 5$ part you might as well replace it considering youll pprobably have to remove it to check it.

z28monster

iTrader: (1)

yeah man i would stp driving it if its boilign over or you are going to risk cracking a head or blowing a head gasket . wich will cost alot more then fixing an old cooling system.

bobsroc

You can check the thermostat operation by simply, removing radiator cap, starting car, watch your temp gauge, when it get above 160, go look in the radiator, you should see or soon see the fuild start moving rather quickly thru radiator. Most thermostat for a 305 operate between 160-195 depending on which is installed. If the fuild does not flow, your choices are thermostat and or water pump.
While your at it, while the car is warm and running, make sure your fan/s are coming on, they should pull air thru radiator not push it thru. Check with paper, if paper moves towards motor your good, if it moves towards the fan, no good.
Some things to try for free, before you break out your wallet.

tuffshizit24

I dont know if thi smeans anything but after driving the car it does not seem like the car is getting too hot... when i open the car im not met with a gush of hot air and the hood isnt even hot.... i also have a trans am front end on my car with that plastic flap on the bottom... right now the flap is only screwed in on the back and not front so it flaps in the wind... is this their to create air flow to radiator??.. i also just replaced the valve cover gaskets in my car... could this effect my cooling system in any way??

f-crazy

iTrader: (-1)

so you dont have the air dam under the nose?...if not then thats your problem...

TpiTony

put yer toung on the upper hose, if it burns its hot lmao
no jk, dont do that check if ya put the thermostat in upside down