98 I30 Overheating on hills and in need of plug replacement

[worldspeaker]

I did not see this among the other posts on this site. I have a 98 I30 with 182,000 miles on it and have actually not had to do anything to it up until now. It has recently started heating up to the boil over point whenever I go up a hill. As soon as I start down a hill or level ground the temp gauge goes down immediately to normal (about half way). I also have some coolant that looks like it may have sprayed out from around the radiator cap area. The car is ok in traffic but I am in LA and constantly going up hills. Any ideas?

Also I need to change the sparkplugs but need to know the best way to get to the rear bank of plugs. Does the intake manifold have to come off?

I appreciate any help.

Dave

[Jeff Williams]

Your problem may be simple.

The cooling system in these cars is a pressurized system. If the cap is loosing pressure, then the system will boil off your coolant.

I would start with replacing the cap. Then I would cosnider a full system flush and replacing the coolant. If neither of these solve the problem, I would consider replacing the water pump and having the radiator serviced or replaced.

As far as the plugs, you should be able to reach the rear plugs without removing the intake. You will need a long extension and possibly a swivel. The QX4's send a spark plug wrench in the tire kit for the driver's side bank. Maybe the I30 did the same.

[worldspeaker]

Thanks, got the cap today. I hope it really is this simple. This car really has been great. I appreciate your help. I will be changing the spark plugs this weekend too. Thanks again for all your help.

Dave