So I have had some overheating issues recently (92 S13 KA).
I have flow between the rad and block, so I believe the thermostat is fine.
However, when I notice the temp guage is high, I shut off the car and notice a gurgling noice coming from the rad hose. It’s mega hot too.
Ideas? Thoughts?
Is my rad pooched? Or could it still be thermostat related?
And yeah, I blast the heat to combat the overheating, which alleviates the problem temporarily, but I know something is shot, and don’t want to continue to do more damage.
check your rad fluid, is it brown? you mave have a blown head gasket.
usually if the car just starts overheating for no reason it’s either thermostat, leak (and now you have air in the system), blown headgasket, fan issues, or a shit rad.
check fluid levels, make sure to follow the proper procudure, and check the color of the fluid, check the rad for corrosion, maybe even do a flush.
and if it is the headgasket… well… have fun 
Rad fluid is not brown thankfully, so I don’t think it’s the head gasket. Other suggestions?
check ur clutch fan and make sure its working
check for anyleaks between firewall and engine, there are two hoses here
get a flush and fill if u have never gotton one, there could be blockage somewhere