I have a 98 chevy cavalier 2.2 L I get overheating and replaced twice a new 180' thermostat. Two time replacing new thermostat and overheating. threw out thermostat constantly flows luke warm . I bought another brand new 180 thermostat and did it again-won't open. Why is the thermostat housing so far away from the block? I cant figure out why it get so hot? nothing wrong with the radiator. the heater core sometime warm to hot to cool-inconstant temp., but that shouldn't have anything to do with the thermostat not opening. I check the thermostat on the stove with thermometer. All the hose are fine. I just replaced the head because the previous owner used water instead of coolant and over heated so many time that the gasket blew at 107,000 miles and the head wrap to 6 thousand of an inch and had to be resurfaced. She never use coolant because water was free! The water bottle has high content of rusty color on the edges. my computer reading 230 degree and that at the top of the pipe going into the head. I check the chilton book and the position of the thermostat is correct, I went through three new thermostat. should I have to check them on the stove before putting it in the engine?
If car doesn't run hot with no thermostat...you may be air-locking system when installing thermostat. I always fill the engine block up to the thermostat housing to make sure that engine is full of fluid ..then install thermostat...spring facing down..thenfill radiator making sure car is running so as not to air lock system ...run until top hose gets warm ,showing that your thermostat opened
Physically look in the radiator under the cap(if one exsist's) when cool, for coolant level, and check the valve in the cap for sticking. If air is present in the radiator it can't get out, and more coolant can't get in,(from the overflow). Either clean the cap or replace it and check that it is the CORRECT cap.
If radiator is low on coolant fill it to overflowing, replace cap, and check that coolant overflow is filled to the COLD line or mark. The overflow is normally where you would add coolant. (never overfill the overflow)After refilling as outlined above, check the level every morning for 2 or 3 days until coolant level stops dropping below the cold mark and add coolant to the overflow ONLY. Do not open the radiator cap. Also, if you have even a tiny coolant leak anywhere in the system, air will get drawn in, instead of coolant from the overflow.
For more OVERHEATING PROBLEMS try these...
Radiator fins dirty, clean with a strong stream of water, not high pressure water.
Radiator clogged, try backflushing it, or replace.
Thermostat stuck open or shut, replace it.
Water pump worn out, can no longer move enough coolant, replace it.
Fan shroud broken or missing....
Electric Fan(s) not working, Check the fan, relay, fuse and engine temperature sensor's.
Belt driven fan, belt slipping, fan clutch is bad, fan blades have flattened out.
Air dam under front bumper is gone, loose, or broken. It actually has a purpose other than scraping on the driveway or curbs. It forces air up into and thru the condenser and radiator. If it's loose, airflow can actually push it out of place making it useless or blocking the airflow. Along with that, there may also be a plastic piece attached to the bottom of, and wraps up behind the bumper. If it
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It housing is lower than the head and slant up and down. I did bleed it thru the temp sensor at the top by the head. I came to a conclusion the the raditor is plug up! The preivous owner was cheap not buying coolant but using tap water that contain mineral will deposit lime, rust, and calium buildup. I just put in CRL calium, rust and lime remover-Gray bottle. and let it run without the thermostat for a while tilll it clean it out the raditor, hopefullly I don't have to replace the raditor. It the cheapest way to go first. the raditor is hidden under the grilll-not old fashion, uhh. Duh the auto maker! I willl post later my result with the CRL cleaner. I don't recommend buying the "Raditor flush" and/or "Raditor cleaner" it is a joke(too deluted with too much water ripping you off! then when I see the temp gauge stay cold then I will try to replace the thermostat... Right now it temp is around 180' driving with cold air. And if it go up, I turn on the heater to cool it down...Anyone doing this must keep an eye on the temp guage or you will cook the head gasket for good.
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