Hello, I have a 2005 Chevy Venture with the 3.4L and 225K miles on the clock. While driving down the highway yesterday the temp gauge started climbing very slowly but definitely above normal, I kept a close eye on it but after another 20 miles it was way above the normal range ( rough guessing I say around 220 Degrees F ), so I pulled over to look things over and I noticed that the upper radiator was extremely hot while the lower hose was cold. I let the vehicle cool off for an hour and drove it 30 more miles home with the temp gauge staying in the normal range. I know that a stuck thermostat should show the opposite hose temps than what I had found but didn't know what else to do so I went ahead and changed out the thermostat . I have since put about 20 miles on the vehicle and things seem normal so far with both upper and lower hoses being close to same temp. I am not 100% convinced that the thermostat was the issue as I tested it in a pan on the stove and it operated fine and opened at the correct temp. I was possibly thinking a head gasket but the vehicle never loses coolant and while idling I see no bubbles in the coolant and the system doesn't over pressurize.
I am looking for thoughts on other possible issues I need to check or does the stuck thermostat theory make sense??
Thanks in advance for any help offered.
I am looking for thoughts on other possible issues I need to check or does the stuck thermostat theory make sense??
Thanks in advance for any help offered.
