We just had the rad hose and thermostat changed. Now the car seems to spike up to the red line, but not overheat after start up and driving for 5min.
The temp comes back down (just on the outer edge of the 90) sound like a stat sticking, but the old one did this as well.
It did leave a HUGE puddle after sitting for 3 days, but I think the fluid just got pushed back and into the overflow, because of the air in the line.

I just finished bleeding the rad line on top of the manifold, still getting spurts of air and fluid. Should this be a solid steam of fluid?
The temp does go up to the line mid way in between the red, and 90, then comes back and stays.

should I be looking into a water pump?

Suggestions? Concerns?

I hate to say it & I could be wrong, but maybe your head gasket is failing. It could be a small leak. Have you tried testing for exhaust gases in the coolant? I think its called a block fluid test. I heard it mentioned once on a call-in auto advice radio show.

Thanks.
I noticed it now leaking at the front only when the car is running.

WATERPUMP.

Cool. Water pump much easier & cheaper to fix. Glad I was wrong.

in had a tiny exaust leak through the head gasket into the water jacket and had the identical symtoms...i just went ahead and had the head shaved and new gaskets, runs like a top now