overheating st Options

[Malhar95]

i recently noticed, that my gauge reads hot sometimes and then drops quickly, first time it did that i checked the coolant, was a little low added water,

and then it does it randomly, coolants level is good. however when i turn the blower on (with temp to hot and AC button on) the needle comes down.


i also noticed the first day, that its leaking from where the bottom radiator hose connects to the engine, above the transmission area.
but yesterday when i was filling up gas, (it wasnt over heating or anything, i just checked) i saw its not leaking from there, but its quit wet under the coolant reservior and it was bubbling.

im guessing its the thermostat, but any input from you guys? how do i diagnose a thermostat, other than taking it out and puting it in a hot pan?

[FrankB2]

Regarding thermostats and gases:
I had an Olds Cutlass that began to run hot on the highway, with the needle dangerously close to red. I had an extended warranty, and took it to a shop. They replaced the radiator, and flushed the system. I took it out on the highway, and it wasn't long before the temp guage shot right back up. I returned to the shop, and that said that's normal. This car's temp guage was always pegged at the halfway point once it warmed up. After doing some reading, I found that Volvo and some other european car makers were using thermostats with an 3/16-1/8 inch hole along the edge. These cars were having problems with trapped gases, and thermostats don't open for hot gases, only liquids. The hole allows the gases to pass by the thermostat, and have a constant coolant flow. I pulled out my thermostat, drilled the hole, and enjoyed watching the guage pegged at the halway mark.... until my son totalled it in an accident a few months later.

This post has been edited by FrankB2: Mar 9, 2013 - 8:49 AM