Thermostat Problem

[Dellboy]

Sometimes my Coolant temp goes over 220 degrees
and then settles back to 180 or so while driving, the dealer told me that this is normal, however Yesterday I noticed my radiator hose was compressed tight when I released the pressure cap it went back to normal size. Anyone know what causes this ? A new thermostat and hose mabey ?

 

[warren s]

Thats normal. As the coolent heats up and cools down the hose may expand and contract. Some hoses actually have what looks like a large metal spring inside them to keep the hose from completely collapsing in on itself.

The hose should return to normal when the presure equlizes, as the coolent gets closer to ambiant temp.

As for the car running between 180 and 220, thats normal.

 

[Tuna]

I find that my 03 runs 180-190 when it is moving. If it sits at red lights for very long or idling in parades and heavy traffic, it goes up to the high 220's. This is normal. The fans don't get turned on until somewhere in the high 220's, once they kick on the temp will come back down. Then fans go off and the temp will start up again.

At continuous cruising speeds, this isn't an issue as there is enough air flow through the radiator to keep the temp down and the fans off.

If you're seeing something else, say so.