overheating too, pls help.

[240tek]

Sorry, for the redundant overheating post, but I didn't want to jack the other guy's thread. I drove 300 miles up to north cali on sunday. My hatch was fine on the way, it got hot, but kept cooling off. On the way back though, it got hot and stayed hot. I had to keep stopping to let it cool down. Anyone know why it would've been ok going, but overheating on the way back? It's 300 miles each way, I had more weight on the way back, but it wasn't a lot. It was running hot on the flat, and when I got to the grapevine (big hill) it really shot up. Any ideas? Think something got messed up? Head gasket? Hoses? Though there aren't any leaks. Thanks. PEACE. Tek.

[yellow_jacket]

Start with the small things like thermostat and radiator. Then start looking into the head gasket.

[nismofan14]

Before you get too excited check your radiator cap. Check to see if the rubber seal is cracked or broken. If so replace and see if it overheats again. If it does then move on down the line.

[240tek]

Unfortunately, I took it out again, and it overheated again. It drove ok on a flat, but as soon as I hit an incline or gave it some power it jumped up. I couldn't get home in time and now there is a crack on the top of the radiator, that I'm positive wasn't there before. So, I need a new radiator? or can I get away with a patch of some kind? The crack is on the top platic right near the hose on the passenger side. Anything I can do about it? Besides replace it? Also, I don't know what to do about the thermostat. I don't know how to change it. When I accelerate when it's hot, I hear a rapid clanking noise. Could that be a blown head gasket, or is it just the heat making the engine work hard. It is sort of like a valve tick, but it's deeper in tone and a bit louder. Thanks for the help. PEACE. Tek.

[240tek]

Also, why would it be fine one day, and, literally, be messed up the next? I drove it 300 miles with no problem, and then part way into my trip back home it started acting up. PEACE. Tek.

[MikeMurphy]

I'm putting my money on your thermostat, only because its fine at one point, then when throttling it more it overheats. Sounds like it stuck.

I bet it takes awhile to warm up too.

[llamabeta]

I agree with MikeMurphy. Also, I would get a new radiator. Not necessarily an all-aluminum but perhaps an all metal type. Once that thing cracks it's going to go even under a short period of heat. (Don't ask me how I know =P)