Can someone please tell me how to decode my engine. I'm not sure that it really is a 200ci. i dont think that this is my original engine. Also, Why is my car overheating so much? I just drove it around the block and the radiator was really hot, i already checked the water pump, and it's not that, i have no idea what's wrong with it. I also want to know what kind of cap does the radiator suppose to have the one i have says 13 lbs. Which one am i suppose to have?

Thanks in advance for any tips.

 

13 lbs is the right cap for your rad. First, take out your thermostat and run the engine without it. If it runs cool, then replace the thermostat. If that doesn't do the trick, I would do a complete engine and radiator flush, then see if that helps. If not, then you may need to get a new radiator and possibly a 5 blade fan. If that doesn't help, then add the shroud and an overflow tank. Also, check your lower radiator hose to make sure it is not collapsing after a few blocks. There is a coil of wire in there to help keep that hose open, but often times its rusts out and then you have a collapsed hose. When you add the anti-freeze/distilled water mixture after a good cleaning and/or replacemant of the radiator, use about a 50-50 mixture of antifreeze/water. Also, get a bottle of a brand of additive called Wetter Water and add that to the system. Good Luck with it.

 

EXCELLENT ADVICE! While you got the t-stat out, replace it with a brand called Fail-Safe, and get the 160* one. It will open and stay open if it fails, so you won't be stuck somewhere till it cools off.