Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) water temp gauge

[phall]

My temp gauge is rising 40 degrees and then it goes down to the middle mark all within a short period of time. It is not load or hill related. It pretty much does this constantly.

Should I be looking at the thermostat or the clutch fan?

I appreciate any ideas

Pete

 

[WestTN]

If your crankcase vent is still on the front of the engine then you probably have your radiator fins plugged. Search on here for bottle and read up on moving it. Then pull the radiator off and clean the fins out. And no, you can't clean it in place and do the job you need.



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[WrenchRat]

What WestTN said. A pressure washer will help with cleaning the gunk out from between the fins of the radiator. I suggest using Gunk engine cleaner and low pressure on your pressure washer. That's what I did and after several 'soak and cleans' it came out pretty good. Sounds like your thermostat is on the way out, get a good one from NAPA (#375190, ~$25) or the dealer. Don't bother with a cheapie from those other places, you'll just end up changing it out and putting in a good one anyway.