Vinny_GPW-S2K

Last week I found out that my radiator was crack because the coolant was leaking. Upon finding that I notice the the upper hose is hot which it should be? But the lower radiator hose was cold is it suppose to be cold or hot?

paul2011s2000

When your car is up to normal running temperature you should have 3 blocks on you temperature gauge, and this should only take a few minutes. If you have less or it takes a long time to get 3, your thermostat could be stuck open. If you have more than 3 your thermostat could be stuck closed. I don't know about the bottom hose, but I'd guess if you've had a leaking rad you could have air in the system which could be why it's cold even if you have 3 blocks on the temperature gauge. I've never touched the coolant on one of these cars, but from what I read they can be difficult to remove air from the system.

Vinny_GPW-S2K

I have 3 bar and nothing higher but saw a video on youtube mentioning if the bottom radiator hose is cold and not heating up its the thermostat is going bad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5uxFk_mFO4

paul2011s2000

My understanding of thermostats is, they either work or they don't. And I'd think that if it was stuck closed (causing a hose to be cold) you'd see it on the temperature gauge.

T-Smac

thermostats could be stuck partially open or closed. So therefore, it doesn't mean they are either good or bad. There's an in between.

paul2011s2000

True.