So my rig is my daily driver and I live in anchorage so it gets abused. My latest problem is My water temp gauge has been telling me Im about to over heat. I thought this might be a fan problem. and the first time I popped the hood over this I had a blown fuse for my electric fan. Replaced it and it blew again with the 25 volt replacement but it doesn't blow with 20 volt fuse in there I was using to limp it home. Thinking it might be from a head gasket I re-torqued the head studs. no effect

When I drive I see the temp gauge start to approach the red zone then all of a sudden the temp drops back to the normal level.

So today I ran up to the gas station for a pack and when I got home the electric fan wasn't on but the temp gauge was higher then normal. popped the hood and the coolant hose was barely warm. WHen I tried to check the coolant level there was pressure in the line and I was sprayed with COLD coolant.

What could be causing this pressure build up and my false temp readings?

 

try replacing the thermostat.

 

yes...the thermo...it does not open so the cold water just sits in the hose while the engine water heats up with no circulation. when you do replace it be sure to put the little nipple valve (little toggle looking thing on the thermo) at the top...meaning at the highest point. this lets the air bubbles escape.

 

replacing the thermo was my next step, just wanted some conformation. thanks