4kq overheating

[Mark E. Johnson]

Hi folks -

I'm a bit perplexed ... my 86 4kq's seems to be trying to overheat. The car
(207k miles) was running fine, then the temp gauge pegged.

Some exploration found that the electric fan was not coming on and that the
lower radiator hose (leaving the radiator, through the thermostat and back
into the motor) did not warm up. The upper hose does.

I replaced the thermostat (which was only two years old, as is the
radiator), thinking it may be stuck closed, with no change in behavior.

Thoughts on where I should look next? What else would prevent the coolant
from flowing or the thermostat from opening? Is it safe to run the car
without the thermostat in it?

-mej



Mark E. Johnson
                   
Email: mej at mejphoto.com                 Images available through:
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