2000 4.0 auto

Back in the spring my water pump went out so i replaced it. It ran cool for awhile, right around 190*, but eventually normal operating temp made its way up to 210*. Sometimes even a little above.

Last night when i got home from work, i could hear this hissing sound. Traced it to the passenger side of the radiator, where it was slowly leaking dark brown water. Thing is, it was ice cold. Shouldn't it be warm?

This led me to think that my radiator might be clogged and thats the culprit for my warmer temps.

I know the norm is 210* but in 35* weather it creeps up past it. Doesnt seem right to me.

Am i at all close to being right or am i way off base?

 

What color is the coolant underneath the radiator cap? Sounds like it may be time to drain the coolant and flush the system. But from what you've explained, it sounds like you have a bad radiator. You may really want to consider replacing it.

If coolant was flowing properly and the thermostat was opening properly, once you reach operating temperature, that coolant that leaked out should be hot. But since it's not, you either have a clogged radiator or a thermostat that isn't opening properly.

 

I bet if you fix leak and replace thermostat it will run normal again I just had your problem and I replaced waterpump and thermostat and all is well