My car overheated on its daily commute?

RAYLYNN REED

MEMBER
2004 NISSAN 350Z
168,000 MILES

The water pump was replaced about 8 months ago and I wasn’t paying attention to the temperature gauge this morning until the car made a large thud noise and I lost power for a few seconds. It then would thrust and lose power each second until I was able to pull over where I found the hose attached to the temperature sensor and coolant reservoir had disconnected from both ends, coolant everywhere. When I got a tow truck, they had me turn it on to move it for them and it wasn’t making any noise and responded fine, but I’m very worried about potential heat damage. After I replace the hose, clamps and bleed the coolant to remove any air that could have gotten in the system, what should I look for? I don’t want to make things worse. The video was taken after I pulled it off to inspect before I turned it off (if it loaded, I’m not seeing it). Thank you in advance!

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

Did the engine overheat or did the coolant hose simply come disconnected? I ask because the hose is under pressure when the engine is warm. If you have a faulty radiator cap, that can allow excessive pressure to build up in the system. So, if you haven't replaced it, you may want to consider it or have the old one tested.

I have a couple of questions. How hot did the engine get? How far did the gauge make it to the hot area? How long was it driven after this happened? Were you driving in stop-and-go traffic or at highway speeds?

Let me know.

Joe

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Tuesday, March 12th, 2024 AT 6:50 PM

RAYLYNN REED

MEMBER
3 POSTS

The car overheated on the freeway due to a coolant leak (hoses disconnected during the drive) and was driven about 3 minutes tops after the jumping started (continued the rest of the drive). It was at H and now the gauge doesn’t read at all, I haven’t replaced the cap yet since this all just happened today.

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Tuesday, March 12th, 2024 AT 6:57 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

Make sure there is no air in the system. There could be an air blockage at the sensor preventing it from properly working.

Next, I suspect the vehicle is going to be fine. However, the temperature gauge needs attention. Don't laugh, but does the heater work properly?

Let me know.

Joe

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Tuesday, March 12th, 2024 AT 7:37 PM

RAYLYNN REED

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you for putting my nerves at ease with humor as well as taking the time to help! The heater does not work. :(

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Tuesday, March 12th, 2024 AT 7:42 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

If the heater isn't working, you likely still have air in the system preventing it from circulating through the heater core and not allowing the temperature sensor to function properly. There is an air bleed valve on the heater hose. If you didn't open it when refilling the system, it has air in it.

I attached the directions below for draining and refilling. Note, I crossed out the draining procedure. Read through the directions and let me know if they help.

Take care of yourself.

Joe

See pics below.

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