Like the title says, I'm having a problem with small antifreeze drip and overheating. I'm pretty sure the thermostat is sticking because it won't go all the way into the red, but far enough over 210(half-way) mark to cause concern, only to go back down once the vehicle starts moving again or I cut my heater on. My question is should I just replace the thermostat or thermostat AND water pump.

 

sounds like you have a weak water pump or faulty therm...you could remove the therm and put it in a pot of boiling water to test...where is this leak coming from??

 

Another consideration is a dead spot in the radiator. A handheld thermometer may give you some insight into that possibility. You can determine the flow that the water pump puts through the system by feeling the lower hose and deciding if you can feel enough flow.( **WATCH YOUR FINGERS NEAR THE FAN**)

 

Checked it today and it is leaking around the gasket for the water pump. Just to be on the safe side, I'm changing both the thermo and water pump. Now that I got that problem fixed...another pops its ugly head up. Now my power steering pump is leaking. As the saying goes: "When it rains, it pours".

 

Yep that sucks i just had to replace my heater valve (damn plastic crap).......



Good Luck....

 

I just replaced my thermo and water pump a few weeks ago (same issue) I think it was just the thermo but I did the waterpump as well (cheap enough). Just a heads up the pump is a bit of a PIA. Take off the fan shroud, fan, drain coolant from lower hose. The worst part I had was adjusting the belt tension at the power steering to get the damn belt off. Just make sure you give yourself plenty of time. It's really not THAT bad, but I had expected it to go a lot smoother.

 

Thanks
I've got all day free tomorrow, so I'm planning on changing everything then.