1996 Chevy Cavalier Running Hot

APRILD

MEMBER
1996 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
14,400 MILES

I have had my car into my mechanic twice, it is running at the borderline of hot, If I drive it over ten miles down the road, the needle goes up slowly, and stops right on the line between normal and hot, I'm scared if I drive it further than that, I will damage my engine. My mechanic has checked the head gasket with a pressure test, has checked the fans and water pump, all are working properly. This last time, I had it in, they said there were air bubbles in my radiator and upon releasing those bubbles, the car stoped overheating, now it's two weeks later, and my car is running hot again, what could be causing this problem, that they have not checked?

1 Reply

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

First if it's not on the hot mark it is considered normal. But if you really need to check it, get ti t your "hot temp" and unplug the fans so they won't start and shut the engine off and put your hand on the radiator fins in a few places. If it is cold anywhere it needs to be replaced. It should be the same temp all over. Also if there areloose fins or kind of a greensh color and loose it should be replaced. Also make sure your radiator cap has been checked and not holding pressure. That is a big reason forcases like yours. And make sure your coolant bottle is to the cold or hot mark when it's cold or hot.