1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Steam from exhaust

PENNYTOWER07

MEMBER
1995 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
203,000 MILES

This olds has been running hotter than it should be for several thousand miles. Never really "overheats" but it will dip into the red on the thermometer and as the thermostat opens up, it will go down, but not really where it "should' be. Today I noticed as I was checking trans fluid a great deal of steam coming from the exhaust. It quit after a minute or two. I have been loosing water, (about a quart on a 250-300 mile trip. Could I be loosing this water through the exhaust? If so, what is the cause. I changed the plugs and wires a week ago, and the old plugs were in good shape, no fouling etc.

1 Reply

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello, looks like the Olds have given you some good miles. From what you say there could be several things going one based off the miles on the car. For one, the thermostat may not be opening all the way. If you have never had the radiator cleaned or replace, it may be plugged. Your water pump, if it isn't moving the water it will get hot. Your radiator fan, may not be working, the fan relay may not be working. These are just a few things to check. If a car is getting hot, there is a problem and needs to be fixed as soon as possible. You also said you are loosing water. Make sure when you park the car the pavement is dry. If you come out and there is no water, oil etc then you are not leaking it. As for your symptom, it appears you have blown a head gasket and the water is going into the cylinders and out the tail. Do you have water in the oil? Based off the miles...I say the head gasket is blown. Depending on how bad, you may be able to remove the plugs and with a strong light look and if you see water, there you go. You still need to find out why it gets hot though! Looks like its been a good car though with those miles..... So that is almost normal.