Q: Flushing radiator. Cold water at bottom, warm in the middle, hot at top?

asked by on September 17, 2017

Flushing the radiator. Filled it with cold tap water. Let the car idle for 20 minutes. Started to over heat. Let it sit for 15 minutes. When pulling the plug to drain the radiator cold water came out, the warm, then Hot. Over flow tank never change in level through the process. What do I need to focus on first....radiator, water pump, thermostat....?

My car has 196000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Hi Cherrill. Thanks for contacting us today. If the water temperature was not consistent, then it’s likely that the coolant is not correctly flowing through the system. This could be the thermostat is not opening, allowing coolant to leave the radiator or the water pump not drawing coolant through the lines. So - to answer your question, the first things you should inspect would be the thermostat and the water pump.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What are the functions on the windshield wiper stalk?
Your windshield wiper stalk (or arm, if you prefer) gives you a lot of different functions. These include: Mist: Choose this setting for misty precipitation. Off: Turns the wipers off. INT: This turns your wipers to intermittent mode, when it’s...
After oil change, engine stutters, warning lights on
Hello. EPC stands for electronic power control, and the light is seen when there is a fault with the throttle body, traction control, throttle pedal, or cruise control systems. It is flashing because the car's computer can not compensate for...
TPMS alarm went off, as well as all gauge lights
Hello. Since your car is relatively new, it should still be under warranty. It is apparent to me that there is an electrical issue that is tied into all these systems. Unfortunately, under warranty technicians only get paid three tenths...
Pressure plate is grinding after clutch installation?
Hello. It sounds to me like something is misaligned, too wide or out of adjustment. The old and new parts should have been compared before you put the new parts into your vehicle to make sure everything lines up. I...
My Car drives forward not backwards. In N and R rolles forward, but will not roll back. Have to lift front to move the car beck.
Hi there. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground with the engine warmed up when checking transmission fluid. Check the fluid for color, smell, and contamination as these could be telltale signs of what is occurring inside the transmission....
My car leaks under the dashboard when it rains or I go through a car wash near the brake & gas petal
Hi there. Water leaks can come from various sources: a clogged drain tube in the AC/Heater box can cause overflow through the heater vent, or faulty cowling can cause water ingress into the passenger compartment. Once the source is found,...
I have a 2013 Dodge Dart and the blower motor works sometimes and sometimes it doesn't. What could cause that?
This may be related to a faulty blower motor or blower motor relay. Occasionally, the blower motor itself will wear out or become faulty working intermittently as the brush contacts inside the motor wear out. The blower motor relay (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/blower-motor-relay-replacement)...
vibration and shaking at idle. also very loud and noisy engine. replaced all motor mounts, spark plug components, and intake syste
Often noise is related to exhaust system leaks or internal failures in the exhaust such as loose baffles in the muffler. To rule out accessory drives and pulleys as a source of noise what you can do is momentarily run...
How much does it cost to replace lifters in a 2010 Nissan maxima
The OEM lifters from Nissan, which are the recommended lifters, cost roughly $430 for the set of 24. The camshafts have to be removed from the cylinder head to access the valve lifters which makes it a 12 hour job...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Dog Breeder or Trainer
These These days, dogs are more and more likely to travel with people than ever before. After all, what dog doesn’t ride in a car? As a breeder and trainer though, you’re probably more likely to carry along dogs than...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Live in a Hilly Area
Do Do you live in terrain that is hilly? Do your city streets feature plenty of inclines and declines that can be nothing short of treacherous in miserable weather? If so, when it’s time to purchase a car you’re looking...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Just Had a Baby
Having Having a baby will completely change your life. Your activities and hobbies will change. Your sleeping patterns will change. Chances are good that you’ll also be looking for a change in vehicles. You need to ensure that your car...