I have a 2001 Kia Spectra, 1.6 L 4-cyl engine, 55000 miles. It overheats at highway speed ( above 55 MPH) after about 5 to 10 minutes driving. I can stabalize the engine temperature by turning on the heater full blast and hitting the "recirculate air" button. No overheating at idle. Here's what I've checked:
- No obvious leaks. I added maybe a quart to the radiator before the level came up the cap. I've never opened the cap on this car before so I don't know what the normal level is. Maybe there is a slow leak, but there's nothing dripping.
- Both fans are working. Both kick on when I turn on the air-conditioner.
- The top and bottom radiator hoses are both hot after about 10 minutes idle.
- After about 10 minutes at idle, the fans kick on automatically, and the coolent level in the radiator dropped. This means the thermostat opened, I think.
- I felt the radiator with my hand and didn't find any cold spots.
I'm out of ideas. Maybe there is a slow leak. If the water pump had failed, I'd see overheating at _any_ speed, right?
If anybody can help, please let me know. Thanks.
-- Rodney Dunning Birmingham, AL