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1991 Chevy Lumina

Tiny
MASSACREDRUMS
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  • 1991 CHEVROLET LUMINA
Engine Cooling problem
1991 Chevy Lumina 6 cyl Automatic 150000 miles

I have purchased a brand new radiator and a new thermostat as well. When my car is on the freeway and driving I have no problem but when I come to stops and idle my car rapidly overheats. What can I do to diagnose this and even better repair this?
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Saturday, March 13th, 2010 AT 1:07 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
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Does the radiator fan turn on?
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Saturday, March 13th, 2010 AT 1:17 PM
Tiny
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How can I test this? Should I turn on my car and let it idle until the fan comes on?
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Saturday, March 13th, 2010 AT 1:37 PM
Tiny
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I allowed my car to idle until it was close to getting very hot and I don't believe either of the fans popped on even once.
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Saturday, March 13th, 2010 AT 1:49 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
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Based on your description of getting hot as soon as you got off the highway, that should be when the fan turns on.

What I would try first is disconnecting the radiator fan and connecting it with a pair of wires directly to the battery. If it doesn't run, the fan motor is defective. The other fan might only run when the AC or defroster is turned on.

If the fan runs when connected to the battery, look for the fan relay and swap it with a different one. Relays typically don't cause a lot of trouble but it's not something to overlook.

Caradiodoc
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Saturday, March 13th, 2010 AT 2:28 PM
Tiny
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Yes I have checked both fans and only one of the fans will activate. I am replacing this fan I hopes that it will solve my dilemma, thank you. I will get back to you with the results
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Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 AT 10:08 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
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Before you spend a bunch of bucks, can you tell which fan is dead? Is it for the radiator or the air conditioning condensor.

Caradiodoc
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Thursday, March 18th, 2010 AT 12:54 AM
Tiny
GLUVSHEY09
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You should try by replacing the fan switch and somtimes the common prob is from your radiator cap. I am almost 100% sure is this two common and cheap prob to replace.
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Thursday, March 18th, 2010 AT 1:34 AM

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