I need help on this one today I got in my 98 classic started it up after it had sat for 4 hours and headed down the road I looked down and my temperature gauge showed it was at operating temp but I was barely halfway to where it usually reaches operating temp and when I would hit about 60mph the temp would drop when I got back to the house I popped the hood and looked around for problems didn't find any besides that the electronic fan didn't kick on like it usually does when it's sitting still

 

Did it get higher than operating temp?

 

No it just jumps up to operating temp after sitting for hours way too fast less than half what it usually takes

 

I have a feeling it has something to do with my radiator having a small crack where the top hose connects or that the bottom mounts for the electronic fan are both bent and broken so the think I basically swinging by the top mounts

 

If it doesn't overheat, you don't have an issue.

 

Replace the radiator cap.

 

Absolutely^^.

 

Ok I'll probably just replace the radiator I've needed to for a little over a year just kept putting it off so while I'm into that I'm going to up grade to and aluminum one since the plastic ones crack so easily

 

And the thermostat?

 

Good idea to do that also.

 

Still don't see the problem.

 

I just did the same thing but had a legit coolant leak from the radiator, while doing it I also did the water pump as well as the thermostat. The cost was right and since it was all apart easier to do. Get the 195* thermostat, I initially installed a 180* and it ran but not right.

 

Ok thanks I'm going to price the stuff and eventually do it once I get the time and money

 

It over heats on longer drives I go to Anderson SC a lot from western NC and it likes to over heat coming back up the mountain from I-85

 

Just use a stock radiator under a $100 at AutoZone lifetime warranty the cheap aluminum ones (under $500 or so) for the most part are junk like the eBay crap.