Es Running Cold

[Dejo]

I just sold my BMW M3 and I noticed that while im driving the engine temperature is low around the 1/4 mark at the bottom, or close to middle about 3 dashes below. But when I get to a stop light it climbs up to 1/2 and doesnt go above that. Is it just me or is that a Thermostat problem or its just how lexuses are. It doesnt over heat and doesnt go below 1/4th, should I be worried.

P.S its a great car, just hit 154000 and it just started its life.

[camlex]

what was the last time you flushed coolant?

Also there is RTD(Temp. Sensor) on coolant line unscrew and clean it.

[brouwer77]

Hi, after buying a 1993 lexus es300 with 180,000 miles. I had an over heating problem.

You may need the following things before hand.

A new Thermostat, costs about 15 bucks.

A bottle of Radiator LEAK STOP... about 5 bucks.

2 bottles of anti freeze coolant. Buy a store brand name one.. for about 8 dollars a piece... dont but one for 3.99.............

So about 35 dollars......and you should do all this yourself...

To replace the thermostat, you may need some help or have someone do it for you............do u have the repair manual....I just bought one...It's not a hard job.

So here's what to do........

I would just check the fluid level on the radiator. Make sure it's FULL.

In the morning, after the car is parked overnight and cold... do the following....

Look under the car and see if there is a coolant leak anywhere.

If there is no leak showing... open the hood and turn the car on... pull the emergency brake and see if after about 3 minutes the boiling fluid should show steaming out.

IF you see the leak, then that hose needs replacing. Remove it if you can and go to an auto parts store and replace it. Buy small clamps to secure the hose back on the car.

See is the fan is working...that cools the radiator... don't get close if you see it working and turning or not...it could turn on any second....

Open the radiator cap and the other cap... just follow that big fat hose to the left of the radiator... make sure you have enough fluid. It should be full inside the radiator where you can see the liquid. Same thing on the coolant fluid reservoir bottle... make sure it's filled until the full line. Run the car... the next day or so... do the same check. make sure it's full the same way. If your car is not overheating but the fluid is missing after the second day... then you have a small leak... go to an Auto Parts Store and ask for RADIATOR LEAK STOP... there is a small bottle they sell about 6 ounces, it costs about 5 bucks.. its a gray liquid that looks like silver glitter... LIKE MICHAEL JACKSON S GLOVE... lol.. close the two caps. OH also make sure you have good coolant liquid in the radiator. It should be a greenish neon like looking fluid... not clear water or anything like that. Some people use water in case of a heating incident...then not replace the fluid.. or they dilute it with water dont do this...

When the car is cold the third day... add this liquid first then fill it up to the top and the reservoir bottle to the max. On the side there is a mark that shows when it's full..... you dont fill it all the way.

What will happen is the following... that GREEN COOLANT FLUID or liguid will get hot when you turn you car on and drive it for about 20 minutes... when that liquid gets hot, it activates the RADIATOR STOP LEAK. if its a small pin size hole... it should take care of it. then 4th day fill it up to the top again and you shouldn't have this problem.

Look under the car and see if there is a coolant leak anywhere. IF you see the leak, then that hose needs replacing. Remove it if you can and go to an auto parts store and replace it. Buy small clamps to secure the hose back on the car.

Tell me how it went. It's what I went through and after all, I took care of the problem myself... I replaced the fluid and added the radiator LEAK STOPPER......... it's been a week, I have checked the radiator cap in the morning and it's full. I LOVE IT...!

Let me know the results and anything you learn, do share it here....... THANKS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS...