my car starting running alittle hotter than usuala few days ago. About 4 months ago i changed the t-stat i put a 180* in there, factory one was a 195*. I check over the whole engine compartment, no leaks, fan works, and radiator is only 1.5 years old. hoses don't collapse. is the t-stat my problem? or will i be needing a water pump? maybe both? i appreciate any help thnx alot guys.

-Rob R.
88 firebird formula ws6 5.0Ltbi 700r4

 

check the radiator cap. could be the problem.

 

Put in a good quality T-Stat? or discount junk. I still go to the dealer for most parts. Just bought a $46.00 ACDELCO distributor cap and $10.00 rotor.

 

The only time I had coolant coming out the radiator overflow tank was when my headgasket was blown. But you'd notice other problems if it were that.

Radiator cap....I tried the el cheapo no name brand, but it leaked brand new. Got the GM cap from the dealer and it sealed up perfectly.

I'm guessing water pump.

 

Since this started happening after you changed the T-stat, did you maybe put it in upside down? You say the fan works. At what temp is it coming on and off?

 

i put it in correctly, the thermostat is from autozone.

 

check your radiator cap for what psi its rated at, you can take your radiator cap to a shop and they can test them, if its rated at 16 psi and doesn't hold then when the cooling system gains pressure it forces it in the overflow. another option is blown head gasket, whenever the car isrunning combustion chamber pressure enters the cooling system and puts excessive pressure in the cooling system and will force it out, might also check to make sure your cars cooling system is bled out, sometime when you fill them the cooling system gets airpockets in them and coolant won't flow properly,

 

i'm pretty sure i don't have a blown head gasket, i'd be seeing white smoke coming out of my tail pipe and my car would not be running right. my radiator cap is rated a 16psi, but i think i'm going to replace it. I took a look at it this morning and the seals on it were pealing. I need to change my hoses (they were not collapsing) they are just lil old. replace the thermostat and radiator cap today just to save my self from something bigger. Is there a certain procedure to bleed out the air from the system when i fill back up?