Car keeps running hot

Tiny
AMARA S
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 900 MILES
I bought this car in February. The car had been sitting for a long time before I purchase it. I got it scan at Midas and they told me everything that was wrong with it. Now that it has been getting hot outside it is running hot literally take it up the street and the thermostat goes up and has never done that since I bought it. I do not know too many mechanic so I can figure out exactly what the problem is. I bought a thermostat yesterday and got it put in and it is still doing the same thing running hot. The mechanic told me I may need a new motor, but I want to be for sure that is what the problem is before I spend my money. I am just trying to figure this out and get some help. Nothing leaking. I have oil in it coolant in it my air or heat does not work. I need ball joints on the driver side of my car and a tire rod on the passenger side. I do not know if that could cause it to be running hot. Just need to be pointed in the right direction as what to do.
Saturday, April 14th, 2018 AT 8:20 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,577 POSTS
You mentioned oil and coolant, are you saying you have oil in the coolant or coolant in the oil?
Start the engine and watch the coolant bottle close, remove the lid to see in better. Do you see bubbles coming up through the coolant? If you do it may be a bad head gasket or cracked head. There is a chemical test that you can do if you are not sure as well. Some parts stores have them as a loaner tool.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test covers some good tests.

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Saturday, April 14th, 2018 AT 9:18 PM
Tiny
AMARA S
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I am not really sure. Thank you I will try that. If it is a bad head gasket exactly what is that how much would it cost?
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Saturday, April 14th, 2018 AT 9:20 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,577 POSTS
Read through the guides first. If the store has the kit as a loaner tool you "buy" the tool and the liquid. Do the test and then you return the tool and get the tool money back. Some places will also use a partial bottle or have individual measured amounts so you do not pay for a full bottle, just what you use. The kit is usually around $60.00 to $70.00 for the tester and fluid, then you get back the $40.00 to $50.00 for the tool.

If it tests bad and shows a head gasket leak. That gets expensive very fast, depending on the engine it can be anywhere from $500.00 to over $1,000.00 to replace them.
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Saturday, April 14th, 2018 AT 9:45 PM

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