random overheating problems? HELP

[kontinu]

I recently have been having reandom overheating problems. This is the second time it's happened. It was 8 degrees out the first time it happened. Temp just ran up and then fluid just exploded everywhere. Now today being about 35-38degrees out I started it up let it run for a few minutes then took it about a mile to the car wash.I just checked the antifreeze collant level in the radiator and it was full before I started it. I washed it then started home about 1 minute from home I noticed the temp was up there and it was going to overheat. I pulled into my driveway opened the hood and a few seconds later it got all crazy and fluid came out or the radiator? Now I have taken it out 4wheeling and drove it a few times since this happened the first time. It's not freezing out and the fluid was full so why would it overheat. By the way its a new thermostat that was put in over the summer.

 

[stevew]

Sounds like a sticking thermostat . I had one do something similar a few weeks ago when it was -20 . I suggest a longer warm up period before you start driving when it's cold .

 

[Steve]

Sounds to me like a bad thermostat that's sticking shut some of the time.

 

[kontinu]

should i just replace the thermostat or is there something i can do.

 

[Steve]

Replace the thermostat, it's cheap and easy. If that doesn't cure it, there are other possible reasons for intermittent overheating, but they're not nearly as likely as a bad thermostat.

 

[74bronc]

should i just replace the thermostat or is there something i can do.

yes, get a new balanced thermostat and start there. they are cheap, compared to the cost of fixing an overheater engine.

 

[kontinu]

it never overheated during the summer. I just went out and put some fluid in it and realized theres no belt on the engine i'm sure thats why it overheated.

 

[Steve]

I just went out and put some fluid in it and realized theres no belt on the engine i'm sure thats why it overheated.

Well yeah, that would make it overheat!