I replaced my thermostat and radiator hose about a month ago. She's run fine since then. I hit a deer two nights ago. no major damage, need a new grill, left blinker, and marker light. BUT now she's over heating again. She does it really slowly if I'm driving but if I sit idling too long it gets hot FAST. When I start driving again it cools down a little. My radiator is fine, no leaks or anything. I did notice a small anti-freeze leak on the front of where I replaced the thermostat. I am waiting to see if it's the (gasket?) or if it's the big hose where it's clamped and comes off the (gasket?)

anything else it could be?

 

Water pump, radiator, fan clutch.....leaks usually get bigger....best to fix it sooner than later. A radiator can be bad and not leaking.

 

Fan clutch has been mentioned to me more than once. I replaced the main radiator hose cause it probably needed it anyways. How hard of a project is that?

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Not that hard to fix

 

So very true.
Check to see if your getting circulation by turning on the heater and seeing if it blows hot air. No hot air means no circulation. Also, once the engine is warmed up check to see if your radiator hoses are firm. If they are squishy then there is no or little flow.

My problem turned out to be the water pump. Fins rusted right off. Gave no warning signs other then overheating.

 

X2

 

It's relatively easy with the rad out. Never tried it with it in. Loosen all the bolts prior to removing the serp. belt though. You can also use a pry bar to hold the clutch from turning while loosening/tightening the bolts.