Weird Temp Reading
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Mechanicsville Virginia
Weird Temp Reading
I've got this strange problem in my '82. When I first start to drive it, the temp gauge will peg in the red after about 5 minutes, then drop down to the normal operating temp and stay there for the rest of the trip. Just put a new thermostat and upper hose on. Any ideas?
Tony
Tony
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis, Missouri
Re: Weird Temp Reading (Ratty82)
Make sure your system is full of coolant and there are no air locks (when you squeeze your upper hose, you should be squeezing coolant, not air).
It may be that your temp sensor is measuring air upon start up and may not be getting wet right away.
It may be that your temp sensor is measuring air upon start up and may not be getting wet right away.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
Re: Weird Temp Reading (Ratty82)
I agree with Neo Fender. If in doubt, raise up the front end of the vehicle, loosen the heater hose on top of the intake, add coolant 'till it reaches that outlet. Now you are assured of a full block and heads. Then fill the radiator (or surge tank) and your done. One thing I always do is drill a small hole (say 1/8 inch) in the thermostat off to the side in the flat mounting area. That way, the block will self bleed. Also, if you ever have thermostat stick shut, it gives you a few more seconds as it heats up. Good luck.
Hans
Hans
