1998 Suzuki Sidekick Overheating

1998 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS
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TATTOOEDARSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have a 1998 Sidekick Sport JLX 130,000 miles and I've had almost everything to do with the cooling system replaced one by one over the past 4 months. Now if I drive it under 3000 rpms it overheats within 5 minutes. I am at a loss. I just had the water pump replaced, there a new head + gasket, new fan clutch. New hoses, belts, new radiator and thermastat. The mechanic I go to simply can't figure out what's happening and I'm at a total loss.
May 5, 2006 at 1:08 PM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
You have an air pocket in the engine. After you remove the coolant and replace you have to bleed the air from the system. Don't wait to long or it Sayonara Sidekick
May 6, 2006 at 3:00 AM
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TATTOOEDARSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I'm bringing it to a suzuki dealer this week. thanks for the info!
May 6, 2006 at 3:12 AM
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Suggested Repair

Bleed trapped air from the cooling system. An air pocket left after coolant service can cause rapid overheating even with new cooling parts.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1998 Sidekick Sport with 130,000 miles reports overheating within five minutes when driven under 3000 rpm, despite recent replacement of the water pump, head and gasket, fan clutch, hoses, belts, radiator, and thermostat. The expert says an air pocket is likely and the cooling system must be bled after coolant service. The owner plans to take it to a Suzuki dealer.

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