Possible Thermostat problem?

[JMan689]

My temp gauge slowly rises untill i go WOT then it'll drop back down and start climbing again. Just started doing this yesterday, anyone have any ideas? My only thought was that my thermostat might be going bad.

 

[Rick]

Could be, but I would check to see if the system holds pressure. Autozone or PepBoys should be able to do it for you. Don't just check to see if you can get it up to full pressure, but wait to see how quick it leaks down.

My problem which had the same symptoms as yours was do to a tiny leak in the radiator between the core and the side tanks.

 

[Heavymentill]

Don't forget to check the cap pressure as well.

 

[JMan689]

Yeah after i just looked under the hood for the first time in a few days (went mudding on tuesday night) And not only is there some dirt around the intake (when i put the KKM on i didn't have the 10mm socket i needed to get the intake part that goes to the front grille so its still in there) and noticed some radiator fluid leaking from somewhere, not a lot but the tinest bit.

 

[Creager]

My initial reaction is coolant level. This issue typically happens to me when i got a leak somewhere. Coolant goes wherever it wants, the excess space is filled with air, and im stuck with fluctuating tempatures. Fill the radiator, burp what you can, and see if the temp still jumps. If not, you may have a leak somewhere.

Since it is fluctuating, that tells me the thermostat is doing its job.

I'd also check to see if you got any oil/coolant slime under the fill cap. This would indicate a cracked head, failing head gasket or maybe just maybe a loose lower intake.