Overheating engine

Hi there, start with having a cooling system pressure test done this will locate any external leaks, if that is ok, you will need to get the system check for exhaust gasses in the cooling system, a sure sign of a head gasket problem.

Mark (mhpautos)

You're describing multiple problems. Lets start with the most important one first. It's pretty likely the radiator fan is not turning on. The clue is the overheating only occurs when the car is standing still. When driving, natural air flow is sufficient, and the fan is not needed or used. The two most common causes of a dead fan are a defective fan motor, and a fan motor with tight bearings, (also meaning defective motor), but that will draw excessive current and blow the fuse. If you want to try to diagnose this yourself, I'll look at a wiring diagram to figure out where to start.

Hi thompsonjdt. Welcome to the forum. This sounds typical of a leaking head gasket. If you see the coolant bubbling in the reservoir when the engine is still cool, suspect the head gasket. The best test is what I call the "sniffer" test. Your mechanic will use a glass cylinder filled with two chambers of a special dark blue liquid. Air is drawn from the radiator through the tube while the engine is warmed up and running. If combustion gases are getting into the cooling system, the liquid will turn bright yellow.

Caradiodoc

You would need to pressure test the system to see where it has a problem. It is possible that you have a head gasket starting to fail or it is possible it is just a bad radiator cap. Pressure testing would show you which. You can "borrow" the tester from many parts stores (they basically charge you the price of the tool, when you return it they refund the money).

Hard to say but normally coolant doesn't spew out, then stop after you re-fill. Just fill with water and test, look for a leak. A trick to look for a head gasket issue is to remove the spark plugs, lay them in order side by side and look at them. If they are all the same in terms of color and deposits on the tips iy may not be a gasket. BUT if you find one or two that look really clean you probably have a problem. The steam from the water in the combustion chamber will make a plug as clean as new in a few minutes.

Faulty thermostat, coolant leaks, faulty radiator cap, blocked radiator, check these first.

Mark (mhpautos)

Start with finding out where the coolant went. Get a pressure test to verify the leak. The fact that you drove it overheated, you may have blown a head gasket. Get a leak down test as well to confirm.

Roy