Please help with a coolant temp problem

[96yukgt]

My 96 during warm up goes all the way past 230F sometimes before quickly coming back down to 185-195F and staying there. It has never gotten to 260 before but maybe to 240F. I replaced the thermostat and nothing changed. It doesn't stay there long and once it settles back to the 185-195F range it stays there. What (other than the thermostat) could cause it to go so high initially? Thanks

 

[retorq]

Bad gauge.

 

[96yukgt]

Just found some threads on that. Thanks, that may be it hopefully.

 

[sparg93]

From what retorq stated - sounds like a sensor/gauge issue.

However, a quick check you can do...when your truck starts warming up (i.e. around 180), feel the upper radiator hose. Continue to feel it until your truck warms up past the temp your thermostat is present to...if it's not really hot to the touch, fluid is not moving through the system.

Also, since you're playing with your cooling system - if you haven't changed your radiator cap in a long time, for $6 you can have a new one!

 

[96yukgt]

prob gauge

 

[SunlitComet]

I say your gauge is registering high because it is overheating by not being able to hold pressure in the system in order to raise the boiling point of your coolant.

 

[96yukgt]

I say your gauge is registering high because it is overheating by not being able to hold pressure in the system in order to raise the boiling point of your coolant.

 

[retorq]

That might be it too. LOL

 

[SunlitComet]

Not sure about that, but pretty sure it was getting high because it had about half the coolant it needed.

Forgot to add creating some steam pockets around the sensor in the process. I apologize for the major mess up

 

[96yukgt]

loose ground on gauge I guess. Works again