1997 Oldsmobile Aurora Overheating

1997 GMC
Avatar
SCRAPIT
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
What could be possible causes of engine over heating on my 1997 oldsmobile aurora with 135,000 miles? this car overheats in about ten minuites of road driving. After about ten minuites of driving at 55 mph it pushes the coolant right back out of the coolant resivor.
May 16, 2006 at 10:44 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
What kind of engine do you have??

Explain water pushing back out of the Reservoir

Do your coolant fans work??
May 17, 2006 at 5:29 AM
Avatar
SCRAPIT
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I have a 1997 olds aurora that I recently purchased with about 135,000 miles on odometer. This car has the 4.0 litre north star v8 engine made by cadillac. This is a 32 valve dual overhead cam engine. This engine runs very smooth and has lots of power. But my problem is that it overheats in about 5 to 10 minutes of driving at 55 mph. The radiator cooling fans seem to be operating properly and there are no leaks of coolant except it comes out of coolant tank overflow after about 5 minutes of driving. This coolant comes out fast and and with lots of force when temperature gauge gets up to about 260 to 280. There is no water in the oil and no oil in the water. Water pump belt and pulleys are fine. I have not replace engine thermostat. I have been told that it might be a blown head gasket or a cracked cylinder head, but I don't want to do this work if it is not needed. Please advise.
May 25, 2006 at 10:49 PM
Avatar
LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
Sadly that is a sympton of a bad head gasket or cracked head. The engine compression is by passing a gasket and forcing the water out of the coolant jug.

The North Star engine damages easily if overheated. At 260 + degrees the engine is already damaged. Both heads need to come off, and checked. Hope fully the block assemby is OK. When you mix aluminum and heat in an engine any variance in temperature causes engine damage.

You can purchase a CO2 kit at any parts store that allows you to test is CO2 is in the coolant system. I think it would be a waste of money because the top of the engine is already ruined. It probably was bad before you got the car and the owners knew it. Hence the sale of a nice car.

You may want to consider a low mileage salvage engine.

Good Luck
May 26, 2006 at 12:26 AM
🔧 Tools & Auto Repair Parts
Find automotive tools, diagnostic equipment, and replacement parts for your next repair.
Shop on Amazon →
Paid affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Suggested Repair

Treat this as a likely blown head gasket or cracked cylinder head. Remove and inspect both heads, since 260+ degree overheating can already damage the aluminum Northstar. A CO2-in-coolant test can confirm combustion gases, but a low-mileage salvage engine may be more practical.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora with a 4.0L Northstar V8 reports overheating within 5 to 10 minutes at 55 mph, with coolant forced from the reservoir around 260 to 280 degrees. Cooling fans, the water-pump belt, and pulleys appear fine, and there is no oil-coolant mixing. The expert says combustion pressure is likely bypassing a head gasket or a cracked head, that the engine is probably already damaged, and that both heads should be removed and checked or a low-mileage salvage engine considered.

Related Repair Questions

Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle