Problem getting worse over past 7 years (summers only). Temp gauge would spike out at just before red and then drop rapidly to normal. Happened about 3 times first year, mechanic said, all OK, bad gauge. Each year, happened more and more, never actually overheating.
2 years ago, flushed radiator, changed thermostat and water pump. Same problem, still happening more often. Last summer, happens each time out when starting from cold, Ok when starting out hot. Changed thermostat again - just in case. No change. Temp rises, and have checked actual temp, it's not the gauge. Gets to near red zone and so long as you are changing speed, temp will drop. Temp drops like a switch was flicked, it's rapid. In past, the sight of it getting hot causes you to take foot off gas, If you stay on it, the temp will not drop until you get off the gas. Turning on heat holds the temp at above normal, but below high. One mechanic says needs new radiator, another says fan clutch. Both seem to make sense, but each is several hundred $. Leaning to fan clutch. Need to make a guess, hope someone else has resolved same problem. Thanks Direct eMail would be appreciated to snipped-for-privacy@ct.metrocast.net- posted
15 years ago