Just drove 2 miles and the temp gage pegged, heard want sounded like the coolant pipes on each side of the car snap, snap, snap I checked and the fan was not on (it was replaced 6 months or so ago) the water (coolant) overflowing of the overflow tank and now it's park at my job. What a way to start the weekend. Any ideas? How do I test the fan? It's a pretty cool day so I'm surprised that it heated up that fast, 2 miles. If it's the water pump, would the cooland overflow?

Thanks all

for it to get that hot that fast, you either have a stuck thermostat or a blown head gasket.

start with the thermo first.

Great, I know the headgasket is ok so once it cools off I will change the thermostat.

Thanks

quote Originally posted by buddycraigg: for it to get that hot that fast, you either have a stuck thermostat or a blown head gasket. start with the thermo first.

I too would check the thermostat 1st.
Can't say if it extends to Fieros, but I've noticed over the decades, that stuck thermostat problems seem to prolificate during season changes. Fall to winter-spring to summer periods.

You guy's are great, I was in a bit of a panic as I have so much to do this weekend and would have had to cancel alot of stuff. I changed the thermostat just now and will test once I get out of work.

quote Originally posted by maryjane: I too would check the thermostat 1st. Can't say if it extends to Fieros, but I've noticed over the decades, that stuck thermostat problems seem to prolificate during season changes. Fall to winter-spring to summer periods.

quote Originally posted by maryjane: I've noticed over the decades, that stuck thermostat problems seem to prolificate during season changes. Fall to winter-spring to summer periods.

careful... you may be letting on to your age :O

and i second the season change thing.

i guess the waterpump belt could have broke, or the impeller could be spinning on the shaft too. but not likely.

If it is the thermo, you'll be lucky... but, like how often does that happen with cars this old? Anyway, check that water pump for rotation, air in the cooling system (could have been the sounds you heard) and, take a look at your dip stick for funny looking oil (like foamy or whitest) could still be a head gasket. As for the fan, just open the hood and see it turns once it gets warm. Check fuse it don't.
As for most likely: Since you say it overheats in but two minutes, I'd tend to agree with the others and think stuck thermo first(pull the bloody thing out and run without one for a test), next I look at the water pump or head gasket.

I had a similar thing happen - turned out to be a shot water pump. The coolant boils and the fan temp sensor doesn't seem to respond to hot air so the fan won't come on and the steam pressure will blow coolant out of the overflow tank in the front. See if the rad hose in front gets hot- if not then you have no coolant circulation

Well it turned out to be the thermostat after all, $9.95 plus coolant and I'm back in the game. I heated up the engine and the fan kicked in when it called for it. Once again you guy's saved the day.

Thanks