Hello -
Did you ever get a chance to check the heater hose going into the firewall and the one coming out? If one is hot and the other not?
Right now you have air in the system. I am almost 99% sure that is why your temp is going up. It is hard to get all the air out. But probably the thermostat isn't opening because the air though hot isn't as hot as the water there for it is not open. You must get the air out.
Also, change your radiator cap.
Next, you can go to Auto Zone around the Prestone/radiator cap section they have kits you can purchase to hook up to your heater hoses to flush your engine, radiator and heater core. These work great. Then you drain all the pure water out and then go back with a 50/50 mix of the green Prestone. Dex-Cool has had many problems building up slim that clog heater cores and radiators. I have been told it also deteriorates gaskets over time.
Looks like you may have some recalls on your vehicle. The dealer may fix these for free. Please contact the dealer service department, give them the VIN number of your car and have them check on these to see if they apply to you.
If you find you do need to replace the heater core let me know and I will attach the info I have on how to do this. It is lengthy so just let me know.
Saturday, November 29th, 2008 AT 11:31 PM