Ok guys, I have a small puddle of coolant under my radiator and a little bit of coolant on the ground. Was trying to track down the leak and had it running for a bit to see if I could see it. Then I realized that my lower radiator hose was cool while all other hoses were hot. Is this a thermostat issue? It was replaced two years ago, is that a normal life span or do I have a bigger problem?

Thanks

 

Was it running long enough to get up to temperature?

Willie

 

Sounds like 2 separate issues, a leak and possible flow issue.

 

It was definitely up to temperature.

 

For the leak, check the two screw holes that go into the top of the radiator that holds on the fan shroud. I had these leak before, sealant works for a while on these.

Willie

 

So should I change the thermostat or am I wrong on that assumption? I realize I might have two issues but where do I start?

 

Anyone...Bueller...

 

Wow, so no one has any input... Let me ask one more question. Should the lower radiator hose be cool/cold while the others are warm/hot?

 

I have the lower rad hose problem too. I have replaced the t-stat (190*) and flushed the system, still the lower rad hose is cold. The temp runs up to 215, then 210 when the electric fan kicks in at idle and around 206 while driving (kind of stop and go, I only have 3 stop lights in my town) I should have tested the t-stat before installing it. I should get my 180* t-stat any day now. If there is no change in temps and lower rad hose is still cold I will be convinced that my rad is clogged.

My Tip of the day is to replace all of those stupid hose clamps with the ones you can tighten and loosen with a screw driver of socket. It really saves you knuckles and sanity!!!!!!

 

Remember stock thermostat will by-pass to the heater core at idle. Order a soft spring 82 cell thermostat first. It start give flow to the radiator even at idle, and will open early. If radiator has never been change, replace it, old and plugged.