Car overheated while idling after installing a new water pump

2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU

184,311 MILES • 3.5L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

LADYZAFIRA

MEMBER
3 POSTS
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I have the car listed above Maxx with a 3.5L and I noticed I kept smelling coolant burning, after replacing hoses it came out to be the water pump. Once the pump was replaced it was fine for 30 minutes before it started to struggle, when I looked at the temperature needle it was all the way in the red. It wasn't doing this before the pump was replaced and it will overheat while idling. I'm not sure what could have caused the sudden change in the temperature after getting a new water pump.

Jan 20, 2021 at 5:53 AM

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SEVAG P

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
405 POSTS

Hello,

It sounds like air trapped inside the cooling system, you must bleed the coolant after pump replacement.

check the procedure and the bleed screw location at below attachments.

for more diagnosis, check out our guides for overheating.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-an-overheating-engine

Let us know if you need more help.

thank you

Images (Click to enlarge)

Jan 20, 2021 at 6:13 AM

ASEMASTER6371

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
52,796 POSTS

Good morning,

I would replace the thermostat to start. It may be stuck closed.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

The fan not working may be causing it to overheat at idle. Can you see the fan come on?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-an-electric-cooling-fan-works

It almost sounds like air in the system. I would remove the cap and run the motor at 1,200 RPMs. Watch the coolant level and add as needed. When you get heat in the car, the air is gone.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

I attached a wiring diagram of the cooling fans for you in case they are not working.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Roy

1. Drain the cooling system.
2. Remove the air cleaner outlet duct.
3. Disconnect the surge tank hose from the coolant outlet.
4. Remove the thermostat housing to intake manifold bolts.
5. Remove the thermostat housing outlet and thermostat.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Jan 20, 2021 at 6:36 AM