Radiator steaming and fan doesn't seem to be turning on
#1
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Radiator steaming and fan doesn't seem to be turning on
After blowing a coolant hose yesterday, I bought a new hose, put it in, and bled the coolant system (I think I did it right). I drove the car around for about 10 minutes and ev. erything seemed fine. The temp gauge was right where it should be below the halfway point. Then when I pulled into my garage I noticed there was steam coming from under the hood. Popped the hood while the motor was still running and the steam appeared to be coming from the radiator cap. The fan never turned on.
From what I've read it seems like this could be a faulty cap, bad radiator, or air in the system. I don't think the car was overheating, but who knows if the temp gauge is working properly (prior owner swapped a gsr dash with cluster). It just seems strange the the radiator fan wouldn't turn on if the motor is hot enough to push steam from the cap.
The fan turns on when I short it, but I don't know if it'll turn on on its own. After seeing all the steam I turned he car off so I'm not sure if the fan would have kicked on.
Any thoughts on what the problem might be? Do you think the fan should have turned on?
From what I've read it seems like this could be a faulty cap, bad radiator, or air in the system. I don't think the car was overheating, but who knows if the temp gauge is working properly (prior owner swapped a gsr dash with cluster). It just seems strange the the radiator fan wouldn't turn on if the motor is hot enough to push steam from the cap.
The fan turns on when I short it, but I don't know if it'll turn on on its own. After seeing all the steam I turned he car off so I'm not sure if the fan would have kicked on.
Any thoughts on what the problem might be? Do you think the fan should have turned on?
#2
Re: Radiator steaming and fan doesn't seem to be turning on
What car do you have?
How did you bleed the air exactly?
Usually the temp gauge works unless it never moves up at all, IMO.
Steam should not be coming from the cap, you can try replacing it, or have a shop pressure test the cap.
Which hose blew (upper or lower), where did you get the new hose? Are you sure the new hose isn't collapsing?
Yes, the radiator could be plugged.
The fan should come on if the coolant is hot enough, if it doesn't the coolant temp switch could be bad, but then you would probably overheat.
In summary, I would burp the air again, then go for a new cap.
How did you bleed the air exactly?
Usually the temp gauge works unless it never moves up at all, IMO.
Steam should not be coming from the cap, you can try replacing it, or have a shop pressure test the cap.
Which hose blew (upper or lower), where did you get the new hose? Are you sure the new hose isn't collapsing?
Yes, the radiator could be plugged.
The fan should come on if the coolant is hot enough, if it doesn't the coolant temp switch could be bad, but then you would probably overheat.
In summary, I would burp the air again, then go for a new cap.
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Originally Posted by dazebreak
What car do you have?
How did you bleed the air exactly?
Usually the temp gauge works unless it never moves up at all, IMO.
Steam should not be coming from the cap, you can try replacing it, or have a shop pressure test the cap.
Which hose blew (upper or lower), where did you get the new hose? Are you sure the new hose isn't collapsing?
Yes, the radiator could be plugged.
The fan should come on if the coolant is hot enough, if it doesn't the coolant temp switch could be bad, but then you would probably overheat.
In summary, I would burp the air again, then go for a new cap.
How did you bleed the air exactly?
Usually the temp gauge works unless it never moves up at all, IMO.
Steam should not be coming from the cap, you can try replacing it, or have a shop pressure test the cap.
Which hose blew (upper or lower), where did you get the new hose? Are you sure the new hose isn't collapsing?
Yes, the radiator could be plugged.
The fan should come on if the coolant is hot enough, if it doesn't the coolant temp switch could be bad, but then you would probably overheat.
In summary, I would burp the air again, then go for a new cap.
Is the fan switch part of the thermostat or is it different?
The hose that blew is the one that goes from the side of the motor to the heater switch near the firewall. I got a replacement at a junkyard. It isn't leaking or collapsing.
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#6
Re: Radiator steaming and fan doesn't seem to be turning on
The thermostatic fan switch plugs on the thermostat housing. The thermostatic valve is inside to regulate the flow. No flow, no heat to activate the switch.
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#8
Re: Radiator steaming and fan doesn't seem to be turning on
The fan doesn't turn on much on mine, but yes, the radiator probably has a crack. Mine started steaming like that after a 15 minute freeway run, so I simply replaced it and bled it.
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