Rep Power: 0

Hi, I'm a n00b to the the forum, and I'm having an overheating problem. My thermostat is reading at an average level, but my radiator after a few minutes will start to boil and steam/smoke. I checked for oil in my anti-freeze, and vice versa, and found neither, but it was also dark when i checked, will check again tomorrow morning. Also, the top hose is getting WAY hotter than the bottom hose is, and I'm thinking either a stuck thermostat or a blown/cracked head gasket. Do you guys/girls have any advice that could help me figure this out?

Thanks in advance,
DJ.

 
Rep Power: 313

Probably a thermostat that is preventing water circulation (not opening). The other issue could be a blockage in the system. Replace the thermostat and don't drive with it overheating, you will cause major damage. Your thermostat actually does not measure the coolant temperature, there is a sensor for that. The thermostat physically opens up when the coolant reaches a certain temperature and then starts circulating the stuff. If this isn't happening it explains your top/bottom hoses being different temps. Keep in mind as well that the bottom hose is suppoed to be cooler to an extent than the top because it has passed through the radiator which cools the system. The bottom should still get warm, especially if your overheating.