Trying to diagnose and figure out the issue

-checked dipstick looked pretty good

-check radiator fluid loss some fluid, squeezed tube above it and it looked a little brown like barely noticeable thought it was from previous owner didnt do a radiator flush

- when I drive I get no radiator pressure, when I go higher in rpm the temp slowly rises, and when I throttle down it drops again.

- when I accelerate and decelerate the rpms drop to 700 and slowly picks up to 1000

what other test can I do to be sure its a leak? I would like to save $75 on a block test and radiator pressure test so if it is a leak I can just buy a new gasket and install.

 

Did you check your thermostat yet? if this is going bad this could happen. Very simple test for it too. Just remove thermostat, boil water, stick thermostat in for 15-20 seconds and see if it opens. or see if its having trouble actuating... or possibly the seal around the thermostat is leaking.

Just ran through this issue myself. ended up being thermostat. Good luck!

 

Pressure test the cooling system and pressure test the radiator cap.

 

A good way to test is to open the radiator cap and then turn on the car. If you see bubbles coming out from the neck of the radiator. You might have a blown HG. Hope this helps.

 

I dont think its a gead gasket anymore did a compression test cylinder 1 = 130, cyl 2-4 150. Freat compression think its the thermostat just bought one from autozone for $12 so it will go in tomorrow and that should be it

 

I'm not saying you bought the wrong thermostat but still, compare it to the one you pull before installing it. Most people end up going to the dealer for the correct stat.

 

Ok sounds good, it better be the right one I usually have trouble at the autozone. There slogan should be "let me look that up for you"

 

Is there white smoke coming out of exhaust?

 

no Im pretty sure its the thermostat im about to chnage it out in a few minutes so I can have my car run at operating temps thats whats giving it false symptoms