Overheating

124,478 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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BRENDA WHITED
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Overheats up top and on temperature gauges, does not get hot at the bottom, thermostat is good. Radiator has been checked, and is good. Water pump checked and good. Fan is good.Pressure test on radiator was okay. Took to mechanic, who done the work, he cannot find the problem. First he said it was the block, or the head gasket, then said it was not. He could not figure out why it is over heating. Can you help? Thanks
Apr 13, 2017 at 6:01 AM
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STEVE W.
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 15,388 POSTS
What gets hot on top and not the bottom? The engine? If so that's normal as the water passages stop about midway down the block.

Overheating however isn't normal. Overheating can be caused by many things, most of which it seems you have checked. One thing I don't see is an exhaust back pressure test, a partly plugged converter will hold heat in the engine and can cause overheating. So can something like low fuel pressure as it can cause a lean condition that will make the engine run hot.

Another item can be that the fan(s) are not activating properly. For that a scan tool and test light to check the power and grounds as the scan tool activates the fans is a handy thing.
Apr 13, 2017 at 6:58 AM
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BRENDA WHITED
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yes sir very helpful, I will have the exhaust checked, however its running hot at the radiator and cold on bottom of motor
Apr 13, 2017 at 9:03 AM
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STEVE W.
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 15,388 POSTS
Define hot? is it boiling over? Reading high on the gauge? If you put a scan tool on it, what does it say the temperature is? If you feel both radiator hoses are they the same temperature?

What engine work has ever been done to it? Head gasket? Normal tune up?
Apr 13, 2017 at 11:38 PM
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