My kid's Eclipse does NOT overheat, but it does run HOT. The temp gauge needle goes past the 80%, maybe even 90%, range when I drive it on the road, specially at 60+ mph speeds with the A/C on. (I've attached a pic). I've done/checked the following:
- Removed air bubbles in the cooling system (yes turned temp knob to high to coolant runs through the heater coil). I used one of those spill-free funnels to help with this.
- Checked that the thermostat works, and it does (lower radiator hose gets hot)
- Checked that the fans work, and they do
One question is, is this normal for these cars? I wouldn't think so.
My first guess would be that the currently installed thermostat is the wrong model. Thermostats are designed to open/close at different temperature ranges and the one currently installed even though working may be changing at too high of a temperature.
As i see this is not likely corrected yet , on these models the impellers rarely rust out. But one main thing that happens alot is poor coolant flow through the radiator, especially when driving and engine rpm is higher and higher flow is needed. One other note , but doesnt happen that often but depends where you live , sometimes a considerable amount of debris gets trapped inbetween the condenser and radiator restricting air flow when driving. When driving the coolant fans do not operate if there is enough air flow moving through the front of the vehicle to negate them
I changed the thermostat, did a proper cooling system flush, and properly put new coolant in to no avail. I'm not losing coolant, and don't see white smoke coming out of the exhaust so hopefully that means it's not a blown head gasket. However I will do a pressure check and combustion leak check. If all these tests show good results, then yeah it's probably time for a new radiator. Though I did not see crap coming out when I flush the system.
As far as a radiator concerned, what brand would you folks recommend? Prices range from $50-250+. I don't want to get a super cheap one, but don't want one made of gold either.
Yes radiators can become internally corroded and blocked. It's said to use a heat temp probe gun aimed at the sections of the radiator to take temp readings. A low reading in a section would indicate a blockage. Then it's best to replace it, lime away or something might clear it in a bind but aluminum does corrode instead of rust it's said.
I now Always use Peak brand Lifetime coolant. It's conventional alcohol based coolant but has a superior additive package. I only find it at Napa. It's worth the few dollars more a jug. Seems the auto stores don't want to loose their profits of 5 year coolant. Too many people don't change it every 5 years and then things like the radiator corrode....
In the future lifetime coolant will be standard. Why wait till then?
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