Chet

I've noticed that my temps while driving on the highway this week have increased by about 20-30 degrees and today I just noticed that my heater core puked all over my passenger floor. Could a blown heater core be causing my high temps, it's hard to believe that this is just a coincidence?

Danno

Of course it can. You are losing coolant and more important system PRESSURE. Without pressure the boiling point of the water and coolant lowers causing overheating.

Chet

Well I just bypasted the heater core until I have some free time to tackle that project, although I've never used the heater as long as I've owned the car so I'm in no hurry. The temps are still high while driving on the highway (between 220-230, last week it was at 180) it doesnt get any hotter than that so Im not at the point of actual overheating. Also, it gets up to that temp pretty quick while idling or stop'n go traffic but the fans will kick on and lower the temps back down to around 220. I'm going to replace the Tstat and flush the system next. One question though, do I have to remove the TB to get the Tstat housing off, it looks pretty tight in there?

Danno

You don't, but it is a lot easier. It's a good time to clean the TB. You will need a new gasket between the TB and the plenum, or you will be cursing youself if it's a Sunday and can't find a decent parts house that has it.