Backpressure in cooling system?

1995 MERCURY SABLE
172,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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KOJACK150
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im trying to get my heater core working again in a 1995 mercury sable, but the temp gauge sometimes stays cold for over 10-20 mins or skyrockets to boiling hot, and when i squeeze the upper radiator hose, it feels stiff like the coolant is just sitting there; not circulating at all. could the water pump be defective and backpressure build up?
Dec 19, 2010 at 6:07 PM
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BOATBUDDY
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try a preassure test
Dec 19, 2010 at 7:03 PM
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BOATBUDDY
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The upper inlet hose should be hot if the car has been driven, if not then the thermostat isn't opening and needs to be replaced
Dec 19, 2010 at 7:10 PM
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KOJACK150
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the upper hose does get hot, and i tested the old thermostat in a pot of boiling water; still works but i installed a new one anyway

how can i test the water pump?
Dec 20, 2010 at 6:24 AM
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