What do you mean hot? Like riding the red line of your temp gauge hot or like just above the mid range hot?
If you are riding the red line you need to stop driving it and track down the problem as quickly as possible as there is a good chance of doing damage in that temperature range.
Two things that make engines run warmer than we like are the thermostat and water pump. Neither is out of the realm of skill for a back yard mechanic. If the engine just keeps getting warmer and never seems to cool down try the following.
Run the engine until it warms up completely and then see if it starts to over heat, as soon as it reaches about 2/3 of the temp gauge turn it off and check to see which hoses are warm, at that point all hoses except the heater return hose should be hot if not warm to the touch, be careful no to burn yourself as the upper hose will be VERY hot, the lower radiator hose should be hot enough you don't want to hold it as well.
If the lower hose is just a little warm but not hot then test to see if the heater hoses are warm, if they are not you most likely have a problem with your water pump and circulation, if they are warm then you most likely have a sticking thermostat.
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Wednesday, March 4th, 2009 AT 11:30 AM
