MickDime

Hey my coolant temp on my dash spikes every couple of minutes. Is the thermometer bad? Anyone have a link to replace? Is it just a standard part at an auto store?

djb383

Kinda hard to tell as the cooling system consists of several components that are all equally important to engine cooling but might want to start checking electrical connections at sending units/sensors/gauge, etc. Could be something as simple as low on coolant. When it spikes, maybe check it with a infrared temp gun pointed at the t-stat cover.

MickDime

I should note that the radiator is also venting when I check it under the hood

tjwalker

What do you mean by "radiator is venting"?? Do you mean you are spewing fluid, overheating? If so, what you are seeing on the gauge is likely REAL.

You need to determine if the spikes are real, or related to a false electrical signal which may be caused by a connection issue with the coolant temperature sensor located on the thermostat housing.

You need to resolve this ASAP. If real, overheating is hard on the engine, especially the cylinder head....can lead to blowing a head gasket or worse.

What is the history of cooling system maintenance? Always a good time to review. Radiator, radiator cap, thermostat, water pump, fan clutch, hoses.

MickDime

It looks like there is a little vent for the radiatior right next to the battery tray. got some coolant/stream coming outa there. Im not sure if it is real or not..temp reads normal most of the time..then spikes up for a few minutes then goes striaght back to normal. I was thinking that the thermostat is bad and it is 'venting' because it think my engine is overheating? History of mat. is good...no problems hoses, cap, radiator all look good. coolant level is steady at the full mark. I burbed the coolant system about a week ago becasue I was getting some air bubbles in there. Other than that I can't think of anything

MickDime

also my fan clutch? will not turn off...

tjwalker

There is no vent on the radiator. If you can see coolant coming out of the radiator, you have a leak. Isolate it and fix it.

MickDime

why would that give me temp spikes?

tjwalker

Any leak you have screws with your coolant pressure. Don't overthink this.

You need to isolate and repair that leak and then see where you are at.

djb383

If u see coolant, u have a leak. When the motor cools, the lost coolant is most likely replaced with air. Air in the system can cause temp spikes.

MickDime

okay, thanks guys

MickDime

would you opt for radiator replacement or re-weld it?

stev-o

Mine was slightly spiking today
How tight is your radiator cap suppose to be... Tight enough so no pressure comes out at all?

stev-o

And yes u can buy a thermostat at most parts stores