After replacing the thermostat when idling the engine shakes?

Tiny
SIR DRAMASTICLY
  • MEMBER
  • 1987 NISSAN HARDBODY
  • 150,000 MILES
Hello and thank you for your time. Okay, so my truck was overheating for quite a while. I don’t drive it much, but when I do, it’s usually for several hours on the highway. It’s getting hotter in Texas and my last trip from Austin to Dallas, I drove most of the way with my heater full blast in order to keep my truck temperature down. I bought a thermostat and I put it in myself. Then started her up to get the fluids going and stuff. But now the engine is shaking something fierce! When idle, once I punch the gas, she runs and sounds normal. It doesn’t quite sound like it’s going to shut off. It definitely was not happening when I drove it yesterday. And I’m the only one that worked on the truck, so I know exactly what I touched and what I didn’t touch. I’m wondering if maybe some of the antifreeze got on some of the sensors and it’s making it freak out? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Monday, June 26th, 2023 AT 11:36 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,912 POSTS
It sounds more like you have a blown head gasket or a bad fan clutch. I would do a tune up as well for the rough running.

These guides can help you fix the problem:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-automotive-radiator-cooling-fan-clutch-a-comprehensive-diy

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

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Monday, June 26th, 2023 AT 6:29 PM

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