97 cobra heating issues..really need help!!

Thegreensnail · Oct 23, 2011

Ok so I just bought this 97 cobra, they have flushed the radiator and changed the t-stat 2 times..so I drive the car from the morning to work and on the way there out of no where the temp needle shoots the hell way up and gets got QUICK!!! And well I tried removing the top radiator hose and filling up the car then put it back in and run it so I run tye car just barely a 1/4 of my block and shoots wayy the hell back up, anybody please shoot me suggestions, and I just put the t-stat in a pan with hot water and it opened up just fine

red95r · Oct 23, 2011

air in the system

robb15033 · Oct 23, 2011

When filling the system, you need to remove the vent bolt, fill till it over flows from there, and then squeeze the hoses to get the air out. I always run the engine with the bolt off and fill to the top. Secondly, the thermostat is directional, has to be placed in the housing correctly. Aftermarket stats have to have the pressure relief hole drilled with 1/16th drill bit. Thirdly, did you mix some antifreeze with the water (dumb question, but just askin'). If the engine runs hot and the upper hose is still cool, then the stat isn't operating correctly. Next would be verify fan is running. Fan runs in high speed when AC is put on "Max". Radiator cap thats worn out will cause over heating sometimes. To verify water pump is working- Squeeze the upper hose while engine is running and listen for the rush of coolant moving by.
Good luck, I hope at least one of those things might help.

Mystic SVT · Oct 23, 2011

Make sure you have the correct thermostat in it, I had bought a new thermostat for my 96 cobra and right off the bat it started to overheat. Put the stock one back in and it went back to running cool. Apparently the guy gave me a gt thermostat, or so he said.

Make sure and you get the air out of the system. You have to initially fill the cooling system from the plug on the water crossover located by the alternator, this is the highest point in the cooling system so this will help and get the air out of the system. This sounds like what your problem is since your car is over heating so fast, but a faulty or incorrect thermostat, or also a clogged radiator could also be the culprit.