water temp. problem

[93accordtuner]

I recently replaced my radiator around 3 months ago after my old one cracked. and now im starting to notice on my temp gauge that when it running its reading a little below half (normal) but when i come to a stop it raises to almost the very top. Does anybody know what might cause this? i know all my fluids are topped up and my radiator is not broken so im confused.

[HondaFan81]

If you're coolant system is running in top condition (assuming you don't live in extreme heat like AZ, TX, etc), you're engine temp. gauge should be like 1/4 to 1/3 reading from bottom mark.

Did you check your fans and make sure they work? You're engine is probably not overheating when driving because on-coming air hits the radiator in the front and helps cool it. However, when you come to a stop, the on-coming air is not present so perhaps fans I'm thinking?

[93accordtuner]

both the fans work fine. they stay on for like 10 minutes after my car shuts off though. my friend said thats weird but its done that forever for me. My friends also recomended that it might be a faulty thermostat.

[NAiL05]

It could be a thermostat. Did you check your coolant level after you turn off the engine and let it cool off?

[TÜNE.FREE]

ya, that is a good thing to always keep on top of, also, a small leaky hose or something can cause that (in my case) cause it releases pressure and causes boiling cause the closed circuit pressure keep water from boiling even at extreme temps. but i dont think thatis ur problem, anyways, hey change ur thermostat and check, or, run the car until it gets warm and then keep it running and pinch the upper hose and it it has some good resistance then it is pressurized and full of fluid, and believe me u can tell, itll be hot as a mofo!!!

[NAiL05]

If you wanna check if its the thermostat let it up to operating temperature and squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses to see if its stiff and feel if its around the same temp.