1997 Cadillac Seville Over-heating

ANDHOW

MEMBER
1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE

Engine Cooling problem
1997 Cadillac Seville V8 Wheel Drive Type unknown Automatic 161000 miles

I just recently purchased this car used from a private owner. The car was over-heating and he said it was because the car sat for so long that the anti-freeze(orange-colored) turned to gel, causing the thermostat not to work correctly. I took the car to Valvoline that same day, and had the cooling system flushed. Then, I had my mechanically-inclined cousin to install a new thermostat. The car still over-heats, and that obviously wasn't the problem anyway because I dropped the old thermostat in boiling water and it opened up. My cousin also put new spark plugs on and said that there was no oil in them, and ruled out a blown head gasket. Is this correct info, and what else could it be?

2 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Have it block and pressure tested-do the block first to pinpoint a combustion leaking into the cooling system or a gas analyzer to sniff for hydrocarbons at the radiator fill neck.

Pressure test: do not do a pressure test if there's leakage at the headgasket this might cause coolant into the cylinders and lock it up or bend a connecting rod if cranked thereafter. The headgasket should be repaired before doing the pressure test.

If the block and pressure test passes check the following: Thermostat, Pressure test the Rad. Cap, Clogged radiator, Fan clutch, Radiator electrical fan, collaspe hoses, water pump.