Overflow tank fluid boiling

2002 MAZDA 5
80,000 MILES
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HOMERBSHARP
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  • 10 POSTS
Yesterday driving sisters car it overheated and the rad was about ~3/4 gallon short of being full. Added water and it seemed to be OK. Today seemed to be OK while driving but while stopped I saw steam out of the hood -yet engine temp was OK. Rad fluid was boiling in overflow. Let cool down and repeated same; boiling fulid in overflow but engine temp is fine which stumps me ... outside temp is about 75 degrees fahrenheit. Thinking this is a pressure thing rather than temp but this is outside of anything I have seen before. Thoughts?
Jul 22, 2012 at 11:49 PM
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DJCL
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 767 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
i would first make shore the cooling system is full and have it presure tested. you might have air in the system .check the level agen when its cool
Jul 22, 2012 at 11:52 PM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 75,992 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Are the cooling fans coming on? If okay Check and test the thermostat and engine coolant temperature sensor-continues to boil over pressure test the cooling system
Jul 22, 2012 at 11:53 PM
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