I picked up a plastic bag on the AC condenser and the car overheated. DIC alarm went off and I pulled over right away. I pulled the bag off and let it cool down but it still overheated so I had it towed. I had a lot of crap between the condenser and radiator so I cleaned that out with a long air hose wand. I have pressure on my top hose when the car gets up around 230. I am running a 160 stat and the fans are tuned accordingly. I changed the stat and water pump a year and a half ago. My question is when I picked up that bag and the car got hot will that typically break the thermostat? That is the only thing I can think. I guess its possible my water pump could have gone. I have never had any cooling issues. I live in AZ and my car would rarely see 210 with the AC on a 100+ day. I have not drove the car since, but running it in the garage the temp climbs all the way up. Both speeds on the fans are working at the proper temps. Any ideas? I plan on tearing it down to get to the stat and pump. Not really excited about pulling off the blower so looking for something I might be missing before I go that route.

Thanks,
Dave

 

I had a similar experience with part of a pizza box getting lodged in front of my condenser. Check to be sure your fluid level is correct and also inspect your overflow tank cap. Mine heated up enough to warp the cap gasket. Put on a new cap and all is good.

 

I would change out the thermostat...

 

I looked at the gasket on the cap. I didn't notice anything off. The tank is holding pressure when the engine is hot.

 

Check all gaskets (head water pump, etc), water level, oil level and then change the oil.

The viscosity of the oil will break down over certain temps. Would not trust it if the alarms went off.