Just replaced my radiator 4 days ago due to the infamous crack at the top(radiatorexpress. Com) thanks for the info in previous posts. Didn't replace the thermostat because 3 places didn't have them in stock the morning that I replaced it but I plan to this weekend. Drove from charlotte to atlanta and back (3.5 hours each way without any issues. Here is the problem that i'm now having.
The second day with the new radiator. The temp gauge went up to the "hot" level then immediately went back down before I could pull over. The rest of the day it didn't happen again. The third day it happened again. Then went back down. The fourth day it happened but didn't go back down immediately. So I pulled over and raised the hood thinking I may see or smell smoke or the engine would feel overheated. But none of this. No smoke or smell, engine still felt cool. This happened after 10-15 minutes of driving after leaving work.I get back in the car and start it up and the temp gauge is where it should be so I drive home (another 15 minutes and no problem with temp gauge). Fifth day same thing on the way to work. When leaving work.I check under the hood and the upper radiator hose is colapsed inward.I remove the radiator cap and it seems like it released a lot of pressure when the cap was removed. Tightened the cap and proceeded to drive home (only a 15-20 minute drive) and the temp gauge rises again but doesn't go back down immediately so I pull over and wait about 5 minutes. Start the car and it stays where it should the rest of the way home.
If the cooling system needs the air bleeded out how long should this take and when will I know that the bleeding process is complete.
I'm going to change the thermostat on saturday. Could this be the problem? I read something about the radiator cap. Which is the same cap from the cracked radiator because the radiator from radiator express didn't come with a cap. But if it fits tightly and secure does it still need to be replaced?
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Thursday, January 5th, 2006 AT 3:30 PM
