>>1. What would be making the thermos go so quick? Two things; acidic/basic engine coolant (which happens when you never change your radiator fluid), but it would also eat up other things also, so I doubt this is the problem. Like the brakes, cheap thermostats don't work and/or last so well. Been there, done that, I'm sick of replacing them. Only Mopar or Stant brand thermostats for me.
>>2. What's the chance that in the bloody-cold weather my >>radiator fluid got "slushy" and plugged something? I need to >>check its rating, but the last time I flushed and filled it The chance is really good. I've seen lots of cars with a no-heat condition when it gets below zero out. It turns into a slush when antifreeze freezes and will not flow through the heater core or radiator. It will also cause overheating like you mentioned. But a 50/50 mix is good for any temperatures in the lower 48 states. Just make sure you didn't mix it with pre-mixed antifreeze. That'll give you an overall 25/75 water/coolant mix and that WILL freeze. Done that once by accident. Yea it froze. >>3. What would happen if I removed the thermostat completely >>for awhile (just to test to see if that's the cause). You can definitely do that. The only downside is that you will have to do it twice for sure, or spend $8.00 on a new one and only do it once. Its your choice. I hate messing with antifreeze in this cold! in some engines, running without a thermostat can actually cause overheating, though it won't show on the guage. This is because thermostats also serve as a flow restrictor, so the coolant has time to absorb engine heat and dissipate it as well. This isn't a problem for most engines though, I wouldn't worry about it in the time necessary for you to determine if its the cause. It sounds to me like you're low on coolant though. It is not good to do that. If you are low on it, it means there is a leak somewhere. Probably a pretty good sized one. Lets hope it is not leaking internally. That would get expensive. Get a Mopar thermostat if thats the problem. Trust me. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/46t0lB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Web: <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dodge_intrepid> Subscribe: <mailto://[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Unsubscribe: <mailto://[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Moderator: <mailto://[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dodge_intrepid/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
