2001 Hyundai Sonata Temp reads hot, nothing will fix it, he

JEJMOE

MEMBER
2001 HYUNDAI SONATA

Engine Cooling problem
2001 Hyundai Sonata 6 cyl Wheel Drive Type unknown Automatic 75,000 miles

I am not a mechanic but have had extensive history with this one problem so here is what I've got. My in-dash temp gauge reads hot when I get about 40mph and above. No noticed performance loss, just the in-dash temp guage says it's overheating Just bought the car, the coolant looked like mud, very dirty. I replaced the thermostat, had the system flushed, replaced the radiator, replaced the temp-sensing unit.

Have had my share of mechanics and all of their work and/or suggestions have failed. The car runs pretty well. Shot the engine block with an IR gun and it doesn't seem like it really IS getting hot, temp reads around 200*F on the outside of the block.

Doesn't seem like the cooling system is working how it is supposed to. Thermostat still doesnt seem to work properly. Doesn't "Drink" when I think it should, etc. The heat doesn't get hot and the AC doesn't seem to get cold either, which I'd imagine is related. One mech. Told me it was a head gasket leak but all other say no way. No performance issues, oil and coolant don't seem to be mixing, plus I had some test done where the put a gas in the system or something and that checked out ok for the head gasket.

Help, I can probably offer more insight, this has been a long time deal and I have tried everything I can think of all all that has been suggested thus far.

2 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Heater hoses get hot, just no hot air? The heater core is probably plugged. When the t-stat opens does the hose get hot? Is the coolant flowing through the radiator? Nothing blocking the front of the radiator? Getting hot while driving is a sign of a flow problem or head gasket usually

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Monday, March 24th, 2008 AT 7:42 AM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Did they bleed the cooling system?

Lets check for a blown headgasket and for a cracked head or block-see below

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.

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Wednesday, March 26th, 2008 AT 9:03 PM