Hey guys. Now that its getting warmer outside, I have noticed my Mustang heating up really quickly. I know the temp gauge in the car is not an accurate reading, but Im getting about 1/2 to 3/4ths on the gauge after about 15-30 minutes of driving. On hotter days, the car gets hot after about 10-15 minutes of regular driving. When I turn off the car I get a light amount of steam coming out of the overflow tube on my rad. The rad looks a pretty worn. What should I start with, since I dont wanna just go replacing my rad before I know whats wrong. Change out the thermostat? Flush the system? Need some advice.

 

Sounds normal to me. What you need to do it temporarily install a real temperature gauge, or tape a digital thermometer to the upper radiator hose to find out the actual temperature. The engine is designed to operate with best power and efficiency with a 190° thermostat, and it's to your advantage for it to warm up quickly.

 

Yeah but I feel like its getting too hot. The steam is coming from evaporating coolant, no?

 

You need to find out the exact temp of the engine. The old gauges are horrible in guessing meter readings. Hoe much steam?

 

It kinda trickles out of the overflow tube for a few minutes after I turn the car off.