[geeks] OT: Car question

[David Selders]

On Wed, Jan 08, 2003 at 06:40:28PM -0500, Tom Borton wrote:
> Not there ever is an off-topic on here, but I have a question for all the car
> geeks.  I noticed today that my temperature gauge ('95 Ford Windstar - insert
> manliness joke here) would drift quickly down from where it normally runs and
> then climb slowly back up.  Other items of note:
> 
> 1.	Drifting down always seemed to occur faster than the return.
> 2.	It was not a steady drift down and a steady climb back up, and it wasn't
> always climbing back up all the way to normal before it would drift again.
> 3.	It never reached higher than normal.
> 4.	It did not drift down when stopped, only when moving.
> 5.	The heater was supply a consistent temperature even when the gauge was at
> the bottom of the cycle.
> 6.	The engine was not making strange or unusual noises.
> 7.	No magic smoke was escaping, and no other signs of leakage.
> 8.	I haven't checked the coolant level yet because I'm waiting for it to cool
> down.
> 
> Any suggestions about what might be happening?  I have a couple of ideas, but
> my car knowledge is next to zero.
> 
> Thanks,
> Tom
> 
> "The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that
> heralds new discoveries, is not 'Eureka!' (I've found it!),
> but 'That's funny...'" -Isaac Asimov
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> GEEKS:  http://www.sunhelp.org/mailman/listinfo/geeks

I'm no car expert myself, but... When was the last time you had the termostat
replaced.  It could be possible that it isn't opening all  of the way.  It
could also be your water pump.  What kind of mileage do you have on the car
and when was it last serviced?

-- 
David Selders
david at malleable.org