When I run my car at idle or parked with the A/C on it tends to get hot and start to boil. I can hear it when it starts to boil, but my temp. gauge doesn't work so I'm kinda in the dark. Granted it has been around 103 to 110 here in Texas lately so I expect her to run a little hot, but should she be boiling like that?

 

Shouldn't be - is the cooling fan working? The fan should be constantly on with the A/C on.

Might try a 180 thermostat if you haven't already.
Make sure coolant is full.
Could try a new radiator cap if yours has not been replaced in the last 3 years.

However ... the summers are hotter and the winters generally colder than they were in the 1980's - global warming, Ozone, Greenhouse Gases, call it what you will, and blame the cause of the day. I wouldn't dare just sit in an idling car with the A/C running for longer than 2 minutes anyway - at least not an 80's car. The newer cars have newer higher speed increased flow fans, A/C systems that don't tax the motor nearly as much, and much better cooling systems than these cars.

If you're sitting in the running car with A/C on longer than it takes for a redlight to cycle, you need to shut it off and get out. You can sit in an idling 2010 Nissan with the A/C on and yak on the cellular all day - but all us rednecks know - these ain't them!

 

Are you running straight water or a 50/50 mix of coolant/antifreeze and water?

 

I'm about to go test the coolant, not sure if there is any antifreeze mixed in or not. I'm aware of these cars not cooling well, and don't try to run it too long if I can. I have replaced the thermostat with a 180 degree thermostat. I think I might just flush the system tonight and start over with a fresh mix of coolant and water.

 

I've got antifreeze mixed in and it tested fine. I'll get me another radiator cap tomoroow, it hasnt been replaced in the two years since I've owned it.

 

Did you ever check to see if the fan was working? Also you might want to stay away from the caps with the vent lever. I had one and it leaked. Put a stock replacement back on and it stopped losing water. Just a suggestion.

 

The fan does work. I'm planning on buying another radiator cap tomorrow. I'll let yall know what happens if anything changes.

 

You might want to check to see if the water pump is circulating the coolant. You should see fast water flow in the radiator. Also check your transmission fluid level. If its low... you might have air in the radiator on the trans side. This can cause heat exchange and raise temps in the coolant. If you have an infrared thermometer, you should check for hot spots on the radiator. Maybe its time for a new rad???? Anyways good luck and hope ya get it worked out.

 

SO as I'm driving home today my water pump blew up. Steam was pouring from the top of the pump. hopefully I got her shut down in time to prevent any internal damage. My temp. gauge doesn't work 99% of the time but as my engine got hot it popped up to 220 degrees. As it quickly started to rise I pulled over and the engine died as I did. Engine still turns over so hopefully I got her shut down in time. FML!!

 

make sure u get the correct replacement bc there are clockwise and counterclock keep that in mind