facts:
- temp starts to go up after sitting idle for 5-10 minutes
- rad fan comes on at correct times
- even with fan on, temp still goes up
- giving it some throttle in neutral/park causes temp to go back down
- when in motion, temp is no problem
- radiator was replaced 45k-50k miles ago (due to collision)
- I have plenty of rad fluid, none of it has leaked out

I know its not the temp sensor (fan switch) because unplugging it causes the fan to turn off. plug it back in, fans kicks back on.

so thermostat then? or would a coolent flush solve the problems?

 

Water Pump brosef

 

that sounds about right. w/p and t/b were last replaced about 50-60k ago.

any other opinions?

 

You could check thermostat, does it blow out hot air when it gets warmed up?

 

nothing abnormal.

thinking back, I remember when I had my oil pan replaced at the dealership, and they mentioned something about a minor leak in the waterpump. at the time, I figured they just wanted more money.

another note: when its going up in temp, I can smell rad fluid

edit: time for the swap

 

Or let it warm up and touch the upper radiator hose to see if its warm...if it is its not thermostat.

But sounds like you figured it out...HOLLA!

 

yeah, both hoses get hot

 

When was the last time the thermostat was changed? I had the same exact symptoms as you have and when I replaced the thermostat it cured them. If you haven't replaced it since you've had the car and you don't know when it was last replaced, then I would just replace that first. A thermostat is like 18 bucks and it's a breeze to install versus buying a water pump and getting it installed for 300. Try the small things first.

 

my water pump and timing belt need to be done regardless.

personally, between that, and the alternator that needs to be replace, I think I'm just gonna say the hell with this motor, beat the fuck out of it, and start saving for an f22 or f23 + auto swap.

 

Or you could do that. How about going for an LS/auto swap?