Overheating...kinda

[mrm121]

Hey guys thanks for checking this out. I will try to make it a quick question.

I noticed my Maxima's temp gauge a little higher than normal driving home on the highway. It kept going back down and was nowhere near the "bad" zone, so I drove it home. When I opened the hood, it looked like coolant had sprayed out of the cap everywhere and the reservoir was empty. I got a new cap and filled the res. about halfway to the max line. I drove it for a couple minutes last night and noticed that the temp was staying normal 80% of the time and slightly high the other 20% of the time. When I am idle at a light, the temperature doesn't go anywhere and the fan is working properly (as far as I can tell). This morning, I check the level again and the res. is empty again so I do the same thing. There is no leaking on the garage floor or anything like that. On the way into work, I was driving a constant 75 mph for 25 minutes and it would have the same fluctuation. I am thinking thermostat or water pump...what do you think?

It is odd that it is cycling the way it is. It is almost as if the water pump is turning on and off at weird times just by the way it is staying in a "normal" temp range but going up and down...let me know if you have any ideas. I am probably going to replace the thermostat today just to start cheap but I am open to ideas. Thanks guys!

Ryan

[mrm121]

One thing I also noticed (may not be related). Last night the A/C was acting up and fading on and off. The air was blowing consistently but the air temp was cold and then same as outside and back to cold. Seems to be ok this morning or at least better... I haven't had any A/C or overheating problems before this.

Maybe this is just a good time/excuse to get the new G37?

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Check your motor oil and make sure the coolant is not mixedwith it. You want to be sure your head gasket is holdingup ok.

[mrm121]

How would I check that without doing an oil change? (if that is possible) I would think it would be good just because it has been driving so well, but I guess you never know...

I am taking it to my repair guy this afternoon. Hopefully that isn't the case. If so, I guess it is time for a new car. :-)

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Pull the dipstick and see if it looks like oil and water aremixing together