Re: problem with 85 5000S cooling system

[J_T_Douglas%mwcorp1@MWMGATE1.mitre.org]

>My car leaks coolant after the engine is shut off. It has done this ever
>since I bought it 2 years ago. I have changed the radiator, the thermostat
>and all hoses. The leak is from the upper radiator hose. However much I tighten
>it it still leaks (mostly after the engine is shut off). 

??? It sounds like the only thing not changed or tested is the pressure cap.
Presumably the offending clamp is a worm drive type (spring clamps might get 
tired?)  Were the mating surfaces (the end of the hose, radiator neck, etc.) 
nice, clean, and undamaged?

>The cooling fan
>seems to cycle on and off normally, however I didnt measure the on and off
>temperatures. Could that be my problem, a bad thermoswitch ? 

Nah

>Also my oxy sensor
>needs to be changed, could that cause over-heating ?

Nah.  If the cooling system were over pressurizing, you'd loose coolant at the 
pressure cap, right?

>Also, my temp guage is not functioning properly since it never goes above
>the half mark so I cant use it as a temp reference.

Mine never goes past the first mark to the right of the middle, so your gauage 
sounds about right.

>BTW it doesnt loose a lot of coolant. About 1/2 quart per week.

Thats certainly enough to be real annoying.  Don't forget that the water pump 
can be a "hidden" coolant leak.

Jason