Engine is overheating coolant not return from the overflow tank to the radiator?

Tiny
MICHAELPOLLOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 110,000 MILES
When I check the fluid in the overflow tank it is full, but when I check the radiator it is low, and I can put in two to three quarts of coolant directly in the radiator. Why will the coolant not return from the overflow tank to the radiator?
Sunday, December 20th, 2009 AT 10:06 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,896 POSTS
Have you checked to make sure there are no leaks Also, does the system pressurize when the engine is hot if not I would replace the radiator cap. Here is a video:

https://youtu.be/GSE9skKnOgY

Finally, check the head gasket by using this guide.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Please run down these guides and report back.

Cheers, Joe
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 1:32 PM
Tiny
MICHAELPOLLOCK
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The problem is a blown head gasket putting exhaust into the cooling system forcing out the coolant. $3,000.00 is the estimate to replace the head gasket, water pump, and timing belt, if the head does not need to be rebuilt.
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 1:32 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,896 POSTS
Seriously! They want $3,000.00 to fix it? Either you live in an area that has labor rates around $400.00 per hour or they are ripping you off. You have about $500.00 in parts and maybe eight hours labor.

I had a feeling it was a head gasket. I do recommend you get another estimate. That is crazy! Please keep in mind, they have to remove the timing belt to take the head off. The water pump is right there so the only labor is to unbolt and re bolt a new one. I looked it up and it calls for 7.5 hours. Add another hour for the water pump, and to recharge the AC. The $500.00 in parts is a close estimate.

Again, I strongly recommend getting another estimate. I would not spend more than $1,200.00 to $1,500.00 max.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 1:32 PM

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