Engine Overheating Options

[Araykhel]

I have an ST204 that just crossed over 107k miles and I'm having some overheating issues after the car has had about twenty minutes of drive on it. When my car is driving at normal speeds my indicated temperature usually sits at half, great and normal . But once I let off the gas and decelerate the temperature climbs in no time. I find that idling is the worst and my temperature sits just below the red line when I do so.

I've used the great and nifty search feature to educate myself on all the issues to check/ possible fixes however I still have some questions. The first thing I want to check/ replace is my thermostat however I tried searching for a how-to assuming it wouldn't be a simple swap and found none. Do I need to drain fluids ( ) to do so?

[samir0189]

the thermostat would be a good place to start. It would be advisable to change the coolant once you are there. If you don't drain the coolant before you start, a lot of it will come out when changing the thermostat. It's pretty easy to change the thermostat.

Find the lower radiator hose, and follow it to where it connects to the engine. Remove the hose from that end. Then, there are 2 10mm(i think) bolts that need to be removed and will lead right to the thermostat. Make note of the direction the thermostat sits. Change the gasket while in there as well!!

When putting the thermostat back, find the "jiggle valve" or "v notch" on the thermostat. Most come with a v-notch unless you get OEM. Hold the thermostat up to the light, and you will see the v notch. It MUST be aligned with the protrusion on the little metal neck!!!! Then put it all back together, refill with coolant, and you're done!! Make sure it is not overheating anymore.