Hey just got my 98 cobra back from getting a new engine in. This happens when i start driving after the car has been given time to cool off. The temp gauge goes almost to the red line and hangs there for a few minutes around that area. Then after that it seems to go back to normal operating temp and stays there even in stop and go traffic. The fan does come on and that is why the car gets back down to its normal temp.

The shop owner said they put a new thermostat in it. Could that be the problem?

I searched around and didnt find anything with these details and I am at work so i dont have much time to search anyway.

also is it ok to drive like this? it's my daily driver

Thanks in advance.

 

also just got off the phone with the guys at the ford dealership and he said it is probably air in the system and just to drive it and they should make their way out over time.

He also said its is fine as long as its not drastically changing temps.
*the temp gauge fluctuates smoothly and doesnt dart around*

 

Our cars are the HARDEST to burp free of air. If he didnt use a vacuum filler, then it most likely still has some air in it. If its not actually overheating, then drive it around and see if it burps out. I always use a vacuum filler on my car, and it works great

 

The dealer is correct in saying a perfectly functioning cooling system will rid itself of air after a few cycles.

When it's hot and expells into the recovery resorvior. It expells the air FIRST. When it's cool and it pulls fluid in. It pulls from the bottom of the recovery tank. As long as it's full it will pull straight liquid FIRST.

Now if you have a leak, sometimes this cycle will not work 100% because it may pull in air before it sucks from the recovery tank.

Check the recovery tank level. If it stays at the full mark after 10 or so cycles. You're good.

 

driving it until it burps the air out is a big mistake, you need to stop driving it and have the air purged from the system. the best way to do this is to use a tool called an air lift, take it back to whom ever did the motor for you and get them to finish the job properly!! do you honestly think it healthy for your engine to over heat it continually?............