Car overheating, overflow filling up

1999 NISSAN PULSAR

186,000 MILES • 1.6L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL

DANNY OXFORD

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Hi there, I’ve done a bit of research on this problem but wanted to double check. My car is able to drive for about 40 minutes then it will overheat. Once I let it cool down empty the overflow that started out empty but became full. I then fill my radiator back up and able to drive for another 40 minutes.
Inside my radiator is a bit of that brown corrosion not to bad. The overflow bottle is quite bad though. Apart from being the thermostat which I’ll change tomorrow what else should I possibly look for? I’m currently about 4 hours away from home and from my tools. My father has basic tools which I’ll be able to get the thermostat done just looking for any advice.

Thank you

Oct 29, 2019 at 12:16 AM

SCGRANTURISMO

CERTIFIED EXPERT
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

I would also check the water pump. There should be a "weep" hole located on the bottom of the water pump. There will be coolant leaking from it if the water pump is bad. This is done because the coolant can't be allowed to make it to the bearing when it starts to fail, or the water pump will completely freeze up, shredding the belt. I would also do a flush and fill, regardless of what you find out about the water pump. Here is a link describing how to do that below:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

I have also included instructions from the vehicle manufacturer on the removal and installation of your vehicle's water pump in the diagrams down below. Please go through these guides and get back to us with what you are able to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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Oct 29, 2019 at 1:15 AM