Hot Spider

[jacobowitz <ajacobow@domain.elided>]

While troubleshooting a hot engine problem I discovered the following and want to pass it on to other weekend mechanics.  Although the coolant reservoir appeared to hold the correct volume of coolant, the volume never changed after the engine temperature rose to 225, and the idiot light came on.  After allowing the engine to cool, I took the reservoir and related hose to the radiator out for draining.  It was at this point that I noticed how the drain hole on the bottom of the reservoir and hose were blocked with about three inches of sediment / sand.  How it got there is another question.  Hot water alone wasn't able to dissolve the blockage.  I then took a metal hanger and cleared out the hole and hose until everything flowed correctly.  As a side issue, my electric fan wasn't working either.  I swapped out a new fuse for what appeared to be a good fuse and the fan now works. 

The epilog is, never assume anything and check everything.  As for the high temp, I'll be installing a new thermostat after the local NAPA opens tomorrow morning.

AJ
86 Spider
Freehold, NJ
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