Last week temps were over 100 here in NC. I drove about 50 miles, mostly highway, and all of the sudden the temp gauge started rising. I was doing about 70mph at the time. I got off the highway on route to my destination and temp rose even faster. Upon arrival temp was at the high side of normal range. Driving with the a/c on and coolant level was not low, does this sound like a clogged radiator??

Part 2 of this problem is a "hesitation" at highway speed kind of like a vapor lock. Engine suddenly feels like I lifted off the gas pedal momentarily then pushed it down again but I don't move my foot. It seems to do this only when very hot. I drove it on the highway last night when temps outside were around 90 and temp gauge stayed slightly below half way. I see from the Rave manual there is a fuel temp sensor, is there a way to test it to see if it is bad before ordering a new one? I may be going the wrong direction with my diagnosis, any suggestions????

Thanks,

Geoff

 

possibly the radiator. Heres what you do, if you haven't replaced all the hoses like the really big one then go ahead. Trust me its only a matter of time. My truck did the same thing but I got lucky cause it split at work. But make sure the AC coolant fans work and make sure the waterpump isn't shot. If everything is good then get one of those cleaners for the radiator and clean out the radiator and the heater core. Also replace the thermostat. Its cheap and its cheaper insurance. plus it takes only ten minutes to change. Just buy one from the dealer or ab along with the seal and no issues.

 

Also make sure your clutch fan is working, when the temp climbed did you hear a roar under the hood?

 

Rovin, thanks...sounds like good advice. Given the age of her its likely to happen just as you said. I'll tackle that this week sometime.

Spike, also good thinking but no I hear no roar under the hood. Thanks though!

 

You NEED to hear a roar under the hood, no roar and a overheating engine means your clutch fan is NOT working.
You can fix it for $50.