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So we were making our drive back to San Diego from the Bay Area, its approximately 450 miles and the whole time we were using the A/C. Mind you, some parts of the drive we were in excess of 100 degress, no problem. But as we come close to San Diego the temps dropped to around high 60's.
I finally turn the A/C off and took a glance at the temp gauge and it was rising quickly. I drove for another minute or two to see if it'll drop back to normal but it didnt. I pull over and all I see was steam pouring out the front. I pop the hood and the coolant reservoir cap was off and the coolant in there was boiling! I replaced the radiator, radiator cap and recently replaced the water pump along with the timing belt. I filled her up with water and the radiator was empty! *The coolant reservoir cap is not very snug on there anyway it can easily pop off*. Did this happen because that stupid reservoir cap popped off?? Could it be the thermostat? Incorrect radiator cap? Thanks CL.
When I replaced my radiator with an aftermarket my OE cap did not fit. Also If you didn't bleed the air out of the system there is a good chance you had trapped air and your fan wouldn't turn on when it should. Sounds like the fan might have only been on because you had the A/C on.
I drive my car all the time without the A/C though and it has never given me a problem. But, I will burp it sometime. I'm also going to replace the thermostat because when I got the timing belt job done they told me that it'll need to replaced soon due to it sticking. well that's what theu told me because they said it wasn't getting to temperature when they were done with the job.