Expert: Skip Bollinger - 10/30/2006

Question
I have a 1991 Plymouth Acclaim that was giving to me by an elderly man. 65,000 Miles only. I have been driving it for work( but I drive 200 miles daily x4)It has ran great for the 6 Months I have had it. Just started yesterday, Temp gauge goes tword hot, takes it a bit(20-30 min Usually) to go tword hot, checked coolant, added coolant to radiator and in extra coolant area. took entire gallon jug.(but never had car looked at since man gave me car) Then took car like 40 min for it to go to hot(while driving) car was turned off for 10 min to cool, started back up looked like it was going to go back to hot side but stayed in on the half way mark, continued driving. I look under car and see no collant/water leaks, nothing spraying, radiator cap not hot. fan appeared to turn off and on. Hoses seemed pretty warm-hot. It appeared to have a very faint "radiator Burning" smell,(Hood Up, car off)

Answer
Deniese,
  This problem could have a few possible causes. First you need to determine if the temperature sending unit is working correctly. With the Ignition Key ON, take the wire loose from the temperature sending unit and have someone touch it to "ground" as you watch the gauge. It should go to hot. DON'T HOLD THE WIRE TO GROUND MORE THAN A SECOND!!! We are just trying to make sure the wire and the gauge are working properly.
 If we pass that test, (gauge goes to Hot) pull the oil dip stick and see if the oil looks like oil or a milky gew. If we pass that test, (looks like oil) take out the spark plugs. While someone is watching the spark plug holes, have someone else crank the engine with the key. Look for water to squirt out of the cylinders. If we do, we have a bad cylinder head gasket. If we don't, we need to look at the radiator fan. Start the car and turn on the A/C. The fan should come on immediately. If not, it could be the fan relay. Turn off the A/C. and see if the fan goes off. If it does, it could be the coolant temperature sensor.
  As I said in the beginning, there could be quite a few possibilities for your problem. I hope what I have given you have helped. Please remember, I'm a Parts Specialist, NOT a Tech. I hope this helps..
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