Chevy Malibu over heating question.

SHELLEYTX

MEMBER
CHEVROLET MALIBU

I have a 2000 chevy malibu with 77,000 miles I dont know the engine size but about 8 months ago we replace the thermostat and the 3 months later the water tank exploded due to some belt that broke. I got it all replaced but now when I go get dinner in a fast food place it starts getting warm not all the way hot just in between normal and hot and sometimes it smells but never sprays anything or over heats all the way just when i'm sitting there and goes to normal when I drive. I take it in to my mechanic but it never does it to them. So I was wondering if anyone had any ideas what could be doing this and maybe how much it will cost?

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Could be air lock in the cooling system try bleeding it see below if not it have the tests done

BLEEDING COOLING SYSTEM

Always bleed air from cooling system after replacing coolant. Set heater for maximum heat. Remove radiator cap. Loosen drain plug and remove drain bolt (if equipped) from engine block. Drain coolant reservoir. Fill coolant reservoir to MAX mark with 50/50 water-coolant mixture. Loosen bleed bolt and fill radiator up to base of filler neck. Close bleed bolt when coolant flows out without bubbles. Tighten bleed bolt. With radiator cap removed, start and operate engine to normal operating temperature.

Have it block and pressure tested-do the block first to pinpoint a combustion leaking into the cooling system or a gas analyzer to sniff for hydrocarbons at the radiator fill neck.

Pressure test: do not do a pressure test if there's leakage at the headgasket this might cause coolant into the cylinders and lock it up or bend a connecting rod if cranked thereafter. The headgasket should be repaired before doing the pressure test.

If the block and pressure test passes check the following: Thermostat, Pressure test the Rad. Cap, Clogged radiator, Fan clutch, Radiator electrical fan, collaspe hoses, water pump.
Add coolant if necessary and check for leaks.