1999 Chevy Cavalier Shake and Overheat

1999 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
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CONRADO
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  • 1 POST
1999 2.2 L Automatic Chevy Cavalier 87000mi. 1 Every time I start the engine or shift from Park the whole engine moves and kinda shakes. 2 When driving after about 15 min the temperature rises above normal temperature, but stays a little below the max temp, I had an external relay installed to keep the fan running all times didn't seem to help, what really helps is turning on the AC to cool the engine :S I was told that the engine is missing some kind of metal casing or cover that dissipates engine heat to the radiator. 3 The car makes a hell of a noise when driving on bad roads, it sounds like its gonna come apart, when checked by mechanics they say that the suspension is OK , any help is greatly welcomed thanks everyone out there.
May 30, 2007 at 5:22 AM
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E40WATER12
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 522 POSTS
Just to let you know, I am owner of 2001 cavalier, Its common thing for those 2.2L cavalier engines to shake, Sometimes the motor mounts car wornout, Not all the time, They are not cheap mounts to fix, The GM dealer charges insane amounts of money for rubber mounts, I am in the process replacing my motor mounts, For the rise in temp on the gauge, I would look into getting youre cooling system, Serviced, Could have a blocked rad cores or Hose colapsed, In which causes problems for circulating coolant, Water pump could be weak, For noises going down bad roads, All cavaliers have prone to noises suspension, Thud sounds are usually caused by wornout strut mount bushings,
May 30, 2007 at 8:51 PM

Suggested Repair

Inspect and replace worn engine mounts if the engine shifts or shakes on start or when leaving Park. Service the cooling system and check for blocked radiator cores, a collapsed hose, or a weak water pump. For noise on rough roads, inspect the strut mount bushings even if the rest of the suspension looks sound.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier 2.2L automatic reported engine movement and shaking at start or when shifting from Park, a temperature rise after about 15 minutes of driving that stayed below the maximum, and loud noise on rough roads. An always-on fan relay did not control the temperature, while running the A/C helped. An expert said shaking is common on these engines and often points to worn motor mounts, recommended cooling-system service for restricted flow or a weak water pump, and attributed road noise to worn strut mount bushings.

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