Overheating blowout, bad pump
It was like Old Faithful, Antifreeze blowing out all over the car and engine compartment, with the cap on. Luckily I had a gallon of water and I got home. I have a newer water pump, flushed the radiator about two years ago, and the temp had been spot on - 190 degrees. I've had no problems until this.
So I did a Prestone flush and put on a new rad cap. Now the good stuff. When I took out the thermostat there was 8 inch or so wire rod stuck through it. It looked like part of a coat hanger! I cannot for the life of me guess were it came from, but it was obviously the problem or part of it. I put in the new thermostat.
I believe I need 13qts. to fill up the radiator, but after 8qts. it was full. I drove a few miles, came back, and carefully removed the cap. There was a little bubble over. The temp at the opening was about 185. So that was OK. I topped of the radiator - still about 2 gallons total coolant. Now I'm wondering if the pump is blocked. I don't see any movement of the coolant. The bottom hose is cooler, the top of the radiator is hot. I'm thinking that there is no circulation so the top coolant boils. I'm planning on replacing the pump tomorrow. Do you think I'm deducing the right problem, and the right fix?
So I did a Prestone flush and put on a new rad cap. Now the good stuff. When I took out the thermostat there was 8 inch or so wire rod stuck through it. It looked like part of a coat hanger! I cannot for the life of me guess were it came from, but it was obviously the problem or part of it. I put in the new thermostat.
I believe I need 13qts. to fill up the radiator, but after 8qts. it was full. I drove a few miles, came back, and carefully removed the cap. There was a little bubble over. The temp at the opening was about 185. So that was OK. I topped of the radiator - still about 2 gallons total coolant. Now I'm wondering if the pump is blocked. I don't see any movement of the coolant. The bottom hose is cooler, the top of the radiator is hot. I'm thinking that there is no circulation so the top coolant boils. I'm planning on replacing the pump tomorrow. Do you think I'm deducing the right problem, and the right fix?
