Rep Power: 0

Once the radiator fan kicks on, how long should it stay on

 
Rep Power: 210

until the fan cools the engine enough and lowers the temp enough,

under normal circumstances its no more then 20-30 seconds

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks,I'd like to ask you what you think about this...removed radiator cap, started engine, engine warmed up to running temp., turned heater on, put funnel in mouth of radiator, added enough distilled water to fill funnel half full ( about 1/3 cup) held funnel there and watched the bubbles in the funnel. A couple of bubblles every 5 second ( approx)....do I have air in the cooling system?

 
Rep Power: 0

I got a new radiator, the mech put 1/2 gal coolant in, drove it for 10 min and i went home..knowing my radiator was half filled, I was going to check it when I got home but hood latch was bent and hood would not open..one week later, going to see mechanic to get hood open and temp gauge went up to right before red zone. I did the usual, let it cool down some, then back on the road with heat blowing full blast..temp was ok as long as I didn't slow down below 45 mph. Got hood open, added rest of coolant ( half gal) DID HALF EMPTY RADIATOR CAUSE AIR TO B PUSHED INTO SYSTEM CAUSING AIR POCKETS AND OVERHEATING? IT overheats when I drive freeway for 20 + miles..or at least gauge starts rising..it never seems to be ' hot' under hood..not at all

 
Rep Power: 119

Your “funnel” test is not conclusive because it’s very normal for a pocket air bubble too only lose a small portion of size when first filled.

Drive the car for a day and check the radiator level the next day. If it takes more than a cup of coolant to refill the radiator you have a leak or you have a blown head gasket.

 
Rep Power: 210

what was the reason for the new rad?

why didnt your mechanic fill the cooling system all the way?

this sounds like the beginning of a blown head gasket story

 
Rep Power: 0

The mechanic, I think, was in a hurry..I asked him about it but he gave no response. It was a yard mechanic. Overheating is the reason for new radiator. Also new fan, thermostat, cooling sensor. But, everything temp gauge goes up, hood is cool to the touch, radiator cap is warm, not hot, no steam, no real heat coming from engine, small amount of coolant loss ( approx. 10 ounces). There is pressure building up because it blew my overflo tank cap off one day and then the hose connecting radiator to overflow came off 3 times until I put a plastic tie strap around it. Going to do the chemical leak test next...I want my head gasket replaced but can't afford the labor cost..thank you more than I can express for your help. I'm 63, single and on social security. Ty! Deb V.

 
Rep Power: 119

You most defiantly have a leaking head gasket and possibly a warped cylinder head.

Don't spend money for the chemical leak test.

Spend your time finding a import shop that will give you a reasonable rate for the head gasket job and have the head checked for flatness.

You can usually find a “sturdy” gallon jug of water at the local food mart, Keep one in your car for topping off your radiator.

 
Rep Power: 210

you most likely have a faulty head gasket from everything you have described,

all of those parts your mechanic has replaced so far is wasted money because he didn't know how to properly diagnose the issue,