Car overheating

GRACE7383

MEMBER
1996 CHEVROLET CORSICA
2.2L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

Radiator hose broke and was replaced. When driving right after there was a lot of steam that came out and engine parts were wet. Could not see where it came from. That stopped and now when driven and I stop strong smell like car has overheated but do not see any water that has leaked. I am a woman and am baffled. Before all this could not drive it in hot weather (80 degrees and above) without it starting to overheat. I would just let it cool and make sure it had coolant. It would not do that in cooler temperatures. I am thinking thermostat, but what do I know?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Overheating can be the result of a few things. First, does it overheat when at highway speeds or only in stop and go traffic? Do the cooling fans turn on when the temperature starts to go up?

The first thing is always to replace the thermostat. However, this engine is known for having head gasket leaks.

First, confirm that the engine coolant is not going down. Simply check the coolant overflow bottle to make sure it is within the usable range.

Next, after driving, when the engine is hot, turn the engine off, open the hood, and look where the cylinder head bolts to the engine block to see if there is any evidence of a coolant leak. Watch for steam and look for corrosion on the engine itself. If you are not sure where to look, take a couple pictures and upload them for me to see. Picture 1 shows the cylinder head.

Next, check the engine oil to make sure no coolant is mixing with the oil. If you remove the oil filler cap, check to see if there is a milky/creamy substance on it or on the oil dip stick. See picture 2 for an example.

If there are no leaks and the fans are working, I would recommend replacing the thermostat.

Here is a link that shows in general how to replace a thermostat:

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

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Here are the directions specific to your vehicle for thermostat replacement. See picture 3

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT

1. Negative battery cable.
2. Partially drain and recover coolant.
3. Three nuts
4. Housing and thermostat.

Clean mating surface.

INSTALL AND CONNECT

1. Thermostat.
2. Housing.
3. Nuts or bolts.
4. Upper coolant hose (if removed).
5. Coolant.
6. Negative battery cable.

Inspect For leaks.

_____________________________________________

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions. I will be happy to help.

Take care,
Joe

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