Overheat problem fixed!! (I hope)

[Deano]

Changed out the thermostat today and filled the radiator with water (instead of coolant, just in case the thermostat wasn't the prob). Started it up and let it idle for 30-45 minutes and never got hot. Rather proud of myself. Took a ride and within 5 miles the guage read 2 notches past midrange. Imagine the heartsinking feeling. Made it back home and took the rad cap off and saw that the water was low. Filled it back up and took off again. Got about to the same distance and got hot again. Only between midrange and the next notch this time. Headed back home and noticed the water was low, but not as low as before. Filled it back up and gonna let it sit for a while. Maybe take it for another ride later, see what happens.

I noticed that the factory thermostat had 3 notches around the outside. Tried to re-use the gasket only to find the gasket had notches too. Had to roll to Advance to get a new gasket. The thermostat is offset and you can't just put it in any way you want. There are ribs on the inside of the thermostat housing that lets the thermostat be installed a certain way.

Oh, BTW, a thermostat from a '95 Neon will fit a Cruiser too.

[CREWZIN]

Dano,

You still might have problems with what your doing. As you found out, just filling it up to the top of the radiator doesn't get it all filled. There's air in the system that needs to be bled out, plus by using plain water it could easily reach boiling point (220 degrees) and be pushing water into the over flow that you haven't checked. There's bleeder valve under the radiator cap.

[Deano]

Well, I just used water to make sure the thermostat was the problem before I bought $20 worth of coolant only to have it wasted. I filled it up with 50/50 Prestone this afternoon and that seemed to take care of it.

I'm guessing using this bleeder is a whole lot like bleeding the brakes? Keep the valve open 'til nothing but coolant comes out?

[CREWZIN]

Originally Posted by Deano

I'm guessing using this bleeder is a whole lot like bleeding the brakes? Keep the valve open 'til nothing but coolant comes out?

I've never bled the system myself but according to my Haynes manual, you "attach a small hose to the bleeder valve with the other end to a container. Loosen the valve. Pour a 50/50 mix of coolant into the filler neck until it reaches the pressure cap seat and a steady bubble free stream of coolant flows from the bleed valve bolt. Tighten the bleed valve securely."

[Deano]

Seems everything's good to go. Took it for a nice long cruise yesterday after I got home from work and ran just like it did before.

Luckily, all I had to buy was $20 worth of coolant and a $4 gasket. Already had the thermostat from a '95 Neon we used to have.

[CREWZIN]

Glad to hear it, happy cruising.