I have a 1993 Acura Legend, its overheating just through the reserve nothing coming out of radiator,,,,checked hoses, clamps, changed radiator cap and water/coolant. Going to replace thermostat....hoping that will fix it...if not...any other suggestions? Also, water in reserve/radiator is a rusty brown color....not muddy or thick...whats that?

the onlie last thing is to replace the thermostat. check the heater core/radiator.

Check for exhaust fumes in overflow bottle and radiator which would indicate a blown head gasket

Souns like to me that the thermostat aint opening up when it needs to id check to see if it was installed right. In just for **** in giggles id check the water hoses in make sure they all was hooked up rite
but first id check your thermostat

check radiator core and see that its not blocked ,if so flush out and add new coolant or check head gasket for leakage

When the car is completely cool,check the electric fan(s) for smooth rotation.

Clean/check/change the thermo sensor,contact and wire.

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Excavate air pocket in coolant system / check for head gasket leak

This test will kill two birds with one stone.

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MAKE SURE THE COOLANT SYSTEM and ENGINE IS COLD!

RAN THIS TEST IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA ONLY!

You will spill some coolant during this air pocket purge test.......BE KIND TO THE ENVIRONMENT and ANIMAL please clean up after the test!

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Put the front end on a pair of ramp or park your car on a VERY STEEP HILL (radiator facing top of the hill) .

Top of the coolant reserve tank

Let it ran for 10-15 minutes.

Monitor for air pockets escaping from coolant reserve tank.

Small amount of bubbles is OK at 1-5 minute mark

After the thermostat open up (after 195 F warm up) at
5-12 minute mark or after high idle you should see less bubbles.

If you do not see any in rush of bubbles then your thermostat may be partially stuck or rusted badly inside the thermostat hosing.

Give the thermostat host few gentle taps.

If you see larger bubbles surfacing after 15 minutes then should do a hydrocarbon (HC) dye test to test for potential head gasket leak.

Let engine cold down and top off coolant reserve tank.

Start monitor for coolant lost

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A coolant flush is require every 2 years or 24,000 miles.

I recommend the thermostat that has a relief pop-let to reduce the change of burst radiator and coolant hoses.

Make sure you get a new thermostat gasket,black RTV and fresh coolant for the job.

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bad relay or fuse

I had the same problem, whole new radiator, new hoses, new thermostat, and still overheating. What the problem was for me...bad radiator cap...all that money and a $20 fix...try it?

This could happen if your fan is indeed weak.  To test disconnect the thermostat of the radiator by removing the terminals near the radiator hose towards the engine.  You should see the fan run at its highest speed, then you can check if your fan has weakened.

First off, while the car is cold, remove the radiator cap, and start the car. Let it warm up, and make sure the fan kicks on, and make sure the thermostat opens up. There is no danger in doing this. The cap is off, so no pressure can build in the radiator or burst out. That only happens when you remove the cap when the car is hot.You will see the coolant flow throught the radiator if the stat opens. If the fan doesn't come on, I would say you need a fan. If the fan comes on, and the coolant DOES NOT flow, you may need a water pump, or by chance, your new thermostat is bad. Also, without flow, that could indicate the radiator is bad. Flushes are good, but not always right. If you wait again til the car is cold, take the cap off the radiator, and get a bucket to drain the coolant in by taking the bottom hose off. Stick a water hose in the top and make sure water comes out of your bottom port. Hope it all goes well.

Well, an old hose can bust for several reasons. Would assume that the temperature change from driving raised pressure enough that a weakened portion finally broke. As for the fans, check fuses and connections, then verify voltage going to the fan. If there is voltage and it is still not working, you have a bad fan.