kanihoncho

I just started it up, ran it for 2 minutes and three bubbles came up one after the other through the overflow

I will have to start her up and look for bubbles tomorrow.

These symptoms just started. I took one local trip of 7 miles or so. I know this can be one of many things but I have not seen this exact description. I'm hoping it's a thermostat. ('99 Sub Out Leg with DOC 2.5L) 1. Water pump is 4YO, car has 160K 2. Coolant overflow is brownish. Doesn't smell at all really 3. Don't believe coolant has been changed in 4 years (DOH!) 4. Temp gauge does nothing for 5-8 minutes then slowly heats up 5. Heater blows cold air 6. Pulled car over for 5 minutes 7. Restart temps comes down, heater blows hot air 8. Car shut off for 3 hours; symptoms repeat. The car never overheated as I pulled over as it was reaching the first hot line before the H. Appreciate any thoughts before I spend money . . . K