Ok Well my temp guage has been fluctuating for the past week. So I figure that I would replace my thermostat and see if that is the problem.

The radiator, to my knowledge, only has water in it (Just got the teg in a trade for my hatch). Well after draining the radiator, I noticed that most of the water that came out was a brownish color, almost like a rust color. I then proceeded to take off the lower hose that is connected to the radiator and the thermostat. I did and nothing came out? Is this normal, I mean is there supposed to be liquid pouring out?

Ok then after removing the hoses I noticed that they were all lined with that brown **** and a little bit of gunk...So I gues I am asking is this normal or bad?

Thanks

 

a good way to check for your t-stat is to let the car run, and then feel your upper and lower radiator hoses. there should be a BIG temperature difference between the two if your t-stat is bad.

as for the nasty coolant, it could have just sat for a while and got like that. it could be a sign of a problem. not too sure. however, it might help to try the t-stat, and then get that radiator flushed asap to see if that helps.

good luck

 

What sort of coolant were you using?? Was it a low phosphate/low silicate formula?? Also did you ever use Dexcool?? The buildup seems like a problem that is common with Dexcool users.

 

Thanks man. yea i shoulda checked the two before removing. Ohh well I am just about to replace the t-stat and then ill get some coolant and let you guys know.

Thanks!

I mean the temp has been fluctuating, so if its not teh t-stat what else could it be?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by timmy8151 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">What sort of coolant were you using?? Was it a low phosphate/low silicate formula?? Also did you ever use Dexcool?? The buildup seems like a problem that is common with Dexcool users.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Not sure. i just got the car from a kid on here who only had water in there. I am just going to go get some prestone, do a half & half and then see what happens when the t-stat is replaced.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Spooled-U &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Not sure. i just got the car from a kid on here who only had water in there. I am just going to go get some prestone, do a half & half and then see what happens when the t-stat is replaced.</TD></TR></TABLE>

If you get Prestone, make sure to get a low silicate/phosphate forumula. Other options are Valvoline's G-05 or OEM coolant.

 

if you drained the radiator theres not going to be alot of fluid coming out of the house where it attatches to the block. There will be a bit, a noticable amount. When i replaced mine it was stuck, and my car never warmed up, it was always pegged at cold. How does it fluctuate? all the time when ur driving? Mine would stay cold when i was driving and warm slightly when i stopped.

 

Ok well I just got done washing out the radiator, hoses and t-stat housing. I replaced the t-stat and am about to go and get some coolant when my roomate comes home to drive me there.

However, I just realized that when I went to undo the bottom hose, the water was cold that dripped out. The reason why i mention this was b/c the engine was still plenty warm. So could I have guessed right with replacing? God I hope so.....