NeckTube that hold radiator cap overflows of antifreeze when hot.

AUTOKARMA

MEMBER
2000 CHRYSLER SEBRING
92,000 MILES

Have had this problem now for awhile, had several repairs done, even replaced radiator, cap and thermostat. But problem resists. All Hess seem to be fine. Just read that if you have coolant liquid leak once car is stopped and cold, that you probably have a bad water pump. Will a bad water pump cause this overheated antifreeze to overflow from this neck tube? Must add more before starting car and fill to level everyday, otherwise will run out of coolant.
Even had all engine gaskets replaced, and engine blocked realigned. Tooled. Don't know exact phraseology. All transmission gaskets changed. And many parts have been replaced as car is 12 years old and is showing its age.
Please help me with this problem, haven't found any solutions in your previous questions/answers section.
So the problem is overflow of antifreeze from neck-tube that you place radiator cap on. It holds antifreeze levels. Once car heats up, the steam comes out and transforms back to liquid running down the tube's neck. Tell me what could be causing this, mechanic is at wits end! Don't want to continue wasting money on repairs and parts I don't need.
Please be precise when answering, as I am a woman and don't know all the auto repair lingo.
Thank you again.
The attach an image doesn't work! Tried adding an image for you to see.

6 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

It might be overfull drive it for a couple of days and see if your coolant tank goes low

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Monday, June 11th, 2012 AT 5:13 PM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
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It cold also be a head gasket issue, if you have had it replaced you should have a bill or remember that.

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Monday, June 11th, 2012 AT 5:14 PM

AUTOKARMA

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You have sent two possibilities1. Driving it till overflow will reduce. Well actually it is quite full and doesn't flow back! It is not warming up either, it stays cool, according to mechanic.
It's the thermostat housing and water outlet tube that is where the water is overflowing from! It flows from under the radiator cap. The cap is 6 months old, from dealer. But I have been putting it on and off to refill antifreeze reservoir. Mechanic says the thermostat housing might be stripped and requires a new one, and perhaps a cap? What do you think.
The water pump has NOT been replaced in years, should I replace it? Car 12 yrs. Old. Many parts are still original. Car has been a very good mechanically sound car.
2. Option. The head gasket was already replaced. He did leave the engine and block outdoors, and I don't know if he cleaned everything prior to installing new gaskets. All three main gaskets were replaced.
The car does run smoothly, starts right away, no hesitation or pinging noises. No smoke, or rocking of engine. It did start to backfire once I put gas into it after head gasket job.
Could gas filter need changing? Hasn't been changed in long time. Or should I first try a gas additive cleaner? Or other additive cleaners for different parts? What to do?
Or water pump, it hasn't been changed either. But has no leaks or visible problems.
Sooooo, what should I have replaced? All of the above, or just what?
Am at wits end! And running out of money! Please be specific in explanations.
Thanks so much.

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Monday, June 11th, 2012 AT 7:39 PM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

I wold go with option 1 and replace the tstat and outlet. You could have received a bad tstat, it should be 195 degree as well. Any compotent mechanic with a pressure tester can test the cap to see if it's good or not. I would not replace the pump if it's not leaking. Normally that 's what happens to them, sometimes there is an impeller problem but it's rare. If he left teh block and head outdoors he SHOULD have cleaned it prior to install. Replace the gas filter if it's not been changed, it's a cheap part and shold be doen every 25,000 miles or so.

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Monday, June 11th, 2012 AT 7:44 PM

AUTOKARMA

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Thanks so much for your help. Told mechanic and he is reviewing repair manuel to find where the gas filter is on my car. Am research for thermostat housing and water outlet costs. Will have the pressure test done tomorrow and then see if I need a new thermostat. It's only 6 months old. And perhaps a new cap?
The other mechanic said the heads and block were cleaned prior to installing the gaskets.
That was good news. The shops here are gauge less. Most don't have any type of gauges to read anything. I live in a small town in Mexico. I'm lucky to have found a mechanic that knows his stufff.
So for now, things are at a standstill until tests are done and costs come in. Obtaining American parts is another story. But I have been successful with persistence.
Thanks again for your help hmac, if anything else occurs tomyou, don't hesitate to write me. It's a Sebring JXi 2000, 6 cyl, 2.5L. Chrysler.