Hi guys, I have recently replaced a head gasket and am dealing with an overheating issue. My understanding is that the coolant flow goes from the radiator to the lower hose to the pump through the block, thermostat, upper hose and back to the radiator. I have determined that it is either the pump or the thermostat. Does anyone know a way to diagnose which one it is? I assume that this overheating problem is what caused the gasket to fail in the first place.

Thanks,
Taylor

 

Go buy a thermostat, new gasket, and small tube of RTV. If you take your time, and include the cost of a 6 pack, it'll take an hour and cost less than $25.

And you'll have a light buzz when your done if you drink fast enough.

 

Just replace them both. They're not expensive parts and are pretty easy to DIY.

 

The radiator is the only cooling system component that actually "cools" coolant. All of the other cooling system components mainly have to do with coolant flow. The radiator is the main component in the cooling system.....when overheating, suspect it 1st, not last.

 

Thanks guys. Sorry, I should have added more detail. The top radiator hose is cool except for the closest part to the head. The lower hose is hot as well as the part of the radiator where it connects. The more I think about it I am thinking pump. I think the way to go is to replace both.

-Taylor

 

That is right. No need to diagnose anything, just keep replacing parts. If it doesn't help, replace your car!

 

R&R ignition insert new car done....

 

remove bottpm hose then remove top hose insert garden hose with rag wrapped around it to seal as best you can see what comes out ?

 

Sounds like a stuck closed tstat! I would replace it and the gasket and get a new radiator cap while your at it.

 

Just had a similar issue in my 96. It would overheat at low speeds and idle.

I first flushed the system and replaced the t-stat. Didn't work. Then I replaced the water pump and fan clutch. worked.

Replace the t-stat with a fail safe version (if it fails, it fails open, rather than closed), and the water pump. It could be either but if you do both it's like 40 bucks. Not expensive or hard to do and well worth it.

 

Here's an interesting read "Can a t-stat fail safely".

http://www.stant.com/Consumer-Produc...of-Thermostats

 

Thanks for the help guys and thanks for the link. I was really interested about how one works. I liked the suggestion with the beer the best. haha I decided to go ahead and replace the thermostat because it was the cheaper option. As someone on a college budget price overrides the amount of labor involved.

Thanks again,
Taylor