Cooling System Assistance Options

[brandon702bmx]

I'm on here a lot lately... seems like I am becoming a nuisance more than anything.

To be fair, I've "researched" other sources to see if I can answer my question properly but none of them really seem to answer it.

Anyhow, I removed the radiator because my car was in an accident. (had to do some repairs to front end) I installed it and filled with coolant...

I've been driving the car recently and noticed that when I come to a stop, the car is leaving puddles of coolant + overheating at some times. At other times... it takes a while to get up to operating temperature. The gauge stays well below the half way mark. I'm talking about 1/4 of the gauge even while driving it for periods of time. I also forgot to mention, it fluctuates as well. It seems like it wants to go to operating temp and then goes right back down.

My research has brought me to this conclusion:
When filling radiator with coolant, jack the front of the car so that it is elevated.
Leave the radiator cap off, place a funnel in the hole and make sure it fits snug, fill to where the coolant is visible at the lowest point of the funnel.
Turn the dial to the hottest setting and put the heater on low.
Allow the car to run, reaching operating temp.
Squeeze rad hoses to assist with removing air.
Add coolant as needed until fluctuating coolant levels stop as its replacing coolant with the air in the system.
Screw cap rad cap on.

Everythings good after that? I'm sure to most this may be common sense but I was unsure of doing this.

Also a speculation since sometimes the car won't reach operating temp, the thermostat is bad and isn't allowing proper circulation since it may be getting stuck?
What should be troubleshooted first?

[brandon702bmx]

So I found out the issue with the fluctuating engine temps at higher RPMs. There is a connector that is broke/not seated properly on the water outlet. The connector is for the engine coolant temperature switch. The center piece that goes into the female part of the actual sensor is floating around inside of the outer part that clips onto the sensor. After adjusting it, I drove a bit and noticed that the temp on the gauge weren't fluctuating anymore.

I suppose the whole time the radiator, hoses, etc... wasn't the issue. I guess it doesn't hurt to have a new rad and hoses though. Should've paid for attention to the sensors.

Anyhow, this leads me to the next point. Would any of you have leads on where I can get the connector end so I may rewire it and have a proper seating clip?


Thanks again,
Brandon.