running hot when driving

[Quinthirty]

The third mark is way too hot. The shroud is important and it sounds like you need a new clutch fan also. You should also find out why the aux fan isn't coming on as it is "airflow of last resort".

Thanks Jim, fuse 18 got busted and fixed it. It wasn't switching on at the lower temp limit. I noticed it also has another fuse to trigger at higher temp (210F). Maybe that's why it goes to the 3rd marker and stops there. Now it does not go over the 1/2 marker.

[PorkandBeans]

Follow Up

Following up to close the thread.

I felt the radiator and expansion tank & cap were ok so I drained the coolant and just replaced all the hoses and the thermostat (80 degree). I filled with "Bar's 10 minute flush" and water - it's all they had other than a similar Prestone product. Neither of these was an acid flush. The car immediately ran cooler, between the first and middle tick mark.

I think it was probably just a stuck thermostat or one that didn't open all the way. I say this because there really wasn't much gunk that came out when I drained or flushed. This could have been the lack of a decent chemical but I think the system was pretty clean to begin with and the restricted flow caused the issue.

I flushed thoroughly and filled with distilled water and antifreeze, bled, and it's now running as it used to. Takes a while to warm up but never comes close to reaching the 12 o'clock tick mark.

Not sure if this fixed my poor heat but I had good flow through the core (disconnected these hoses and flushed with water) and both in & out hoses got nice and hot when running. Heater put out hot air but it's also warm out.

In the end it was an easy fix but I appreciate the help everyone. Thanks.