does it really work to check a thermostat in a truck by taking it out and then seeing if it's still overheating when I drive? Here's how it goes after I sit in a drive thru or something like that for about 10-15 minutes and then drive down the highway it will overheat. I've replaced it but I think it's still the problem...maybe a faulty one from the factory. Also replaced the water pump
2006-09-20 05:20:28 · 7 answers · asked by feelingfroggee 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Oh yea guys. Take the radiator out too while your at it. Just start the car, wait until it warms up a little. Grab the radiator hose near the cap. If its warm, your thermostat is opening and working. If its cold, your stat is stuck shut. Theres no need to take anything apart. Another quick check is the quality of your radiator fluid. Just spend 4.95 on one of those "hydrometers", and check to make sure its the right temp setting. Ask at an auto parts store, really easy.
2006-09-20 06:21:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello,
you can check it without disassembling. Start the engine and wait the engine to warm up. As the engines warms up, the thermostat will slowly open and the pipes going towards the radiator will getting warmer and warmer, as more and more water floods in it. When you can see inside the radiator by opening the cap, carefully open it (with cloth and watching out for the pressure) and look if you see the water sparkling. Maybe your radiator has some stoppage which prevents the water from flooding through the radiator. There are good rad flush chemicals, such as Kleen Flo.
Good luck!
Regards
2006-09-20 12:41:41 · answer #2 · answered by Blazs (Skoda 120GL) 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
FOR THE COST OF A THERMOSTAT THE BEST THING TO DO WOULD SIMPLY BE TO REPLACE IT ANYWAY
TO ANSWER THE QUESTION , REMEMBER THAT A THERMOSTAT ALSO REGULATES THE FLOW OF COOLANT THRU THE RADIATOR
IF THE THERMOSTAT IS OUT THE COOLANT MAY FLOW TOO FAST TO COOL AND YOU WILL STILL OVERHEAT
YOU DID NOT GIVE INFORMATION AS TO WHAT YOU ARE DRIVING SO I CANNOT BE MORE SPECIFIC
TAKE THE TRUCK IN FOR A SIMPLE COOLING SYSTEM PRESSURE TEST AND DONT FORGET TO HAVE THEM CHECK THE RADIATOR CAP AS WELL
SOMETIMES IF THE SYSTEM IS LOSING PRESSURE AT THE CAP YOU WILL RUN HOT ALSO
I HAVE EVEN SEEN A TEAR IN THE CARB BASE GASKET WHICH ALLOWED HOT EXHAUST GASSES TO FLOW INTO THE INTAKE THUS BURNING SUPERHEATED AIR AND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT
GOOD LUCK
2006-09-20 12:35:12 · answer #3 · answered by John K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thermostats have different heat ratings that tell it when to "open" and allow water to pass through the engine, all u got to do is find out which rating your thermostat is (its usually stamped on the bottom if not, call your local auto parts store and ask what the factory thermostat temp is), boild some water on the stove and with a non-contact thermometer get the water to the same temp, drop the thermostat in and see if it opens, if it does, it works, if it dont then its faulty.
2006-09-20 12:24:56 · answer #4 · answered by Jon M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Best way to check a thermastat is to drop it in boiling water, if its good it will open, if it's good it will stay closed. Or you could just try replacing it. If it's overheating also check the fan.
2006-09-20 12:26:56 · answer #5 · answered by al 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can get a bad 1,also check to see if its circulating and also did you put the spring down in the engine the way it goes.maybe your radiator needs cleaning.also check to see if your radiator hoses arent collapsing on you,they can be weak and closing up when you drive.
2006-09-20 12:32:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i hope you do not have ford focus ZTW
i sold mine because i could not find the problem and ford refuse to deal with it
2006-09-20 12:30:28 · answer #7 · answered by Rustam K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋