Re: Water temp warning !

[Jon Blake <jonb@u.washington.edu>]

I'm sure many will respond to this cry for help. I'll start out by
cautioning the original poster about too easily parting with his $$$.

On the fan - you can easily check to see if the fan is toast or, as is
more likely, the thermostatic switch has gone south. Short the wires
across the thermo switch (probably found at base of radiator, at least
that's where it is on my '86 4kcsq), fan should start up.

On the general topic of overheating -- a bit more complicated. Some
questions, how long has it been since thermostat was replaced. Is coolant
in expansion tank above the minimum line?

There test you can perform to isolate problem to guage, but these may be
beyond what you are comfortable performing.  Even if you are not an
enthusiastic shade tree mechanic, I recommend purchasing a service manual.
You can glean a wealth of info and can then approach service personnel not
in a state of ignorance.

I'd also recommend identifying an honest independent mechanic. Perhaps
others on the list who live near you can suggest some shops.

Hope this helps - good luck.

	- jon