Engine Overheating Problem?

Hi Susan and thanks for using 2CarPros.

First, if you have no heat, check and confirm the coolant level is not low. Also, since they just replaced the radiator and thermostat, there is a chance there is an air blockage in the system. That should have been taken care of when the work was done.

Next, if the car only overheats when you drive slow or in stop and go traffic, it sounds like the cooling fan may not be working. Pay attention to see if you hear the fan come on when the temperature starts to go beyond normal toward hot. Since they replaced the radiator, they may have simply forgot to reconnect the fan. It would have been out of the car when the rad was replaced. Also, the coolant temperature sensor may have been left disconnected in the radiator.

Take a look through this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

I attached a picture of the radiator and components around it. It should help you to identify where the fan connections and the sensor is located.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,
Joe

PS: If the coolant level is full, I would go back to the shop that did the work and let them know it is overheating and you have no heat. They need to bleed the system so you have heat. Also, an air blockage can cause it to overheat.

Hi Susan:

If it was only overheating when stopped, I question that it is the pump. It could be, but I feel there are other things more likely. Did the heater work prior to it overheating? Did you notice if the cooling fan was turning on when it started overheating?

Let me know.

Joe

Okay, if you heard the fan, then there is a better chance it is the water pump. I just do not want you to get taken.

Arizona. You have no idea how much I have always wanted to see the state. I am near Pittsburgh. Tonight, it is 23 degrees, snowing and blowing. Ugh! If heaters do not work here, we are in trouble. LOL I have always wanted to come there to find an old muscle car. Maybe someday. Until then, I will watch everything nice rust away here.

Anyway, I would like you to ask the tech one more thing. Take a look at this. It is basically the same as what you are dealing with. And the water pump was replaced, but the vehicle still overheated. They found a kinked hose was the problem. Read through this and consider asking the tech if the lower radiator hose gets hot and if he could check the specific hose mentioned. I attached a picture which shows hose number 2.

____________________________________

Replaced Thermostat and Water Pump Already, No Change.

When Run with Out Thermostat, Vehicle Does Not Overheat, and Engine Temperature Does Not Exceed 140 Degrees.

Cooling Fans cycle as Specified.

With thermostat installed the lower hose never gets hot.

Overheating

We found heater output was insufficient.

We flushed out the heater core and heater output improved, but not very much.

TECH-ASSIST
02/09/2017 | 09:56:37
1 Repair(s) Available
Verified Repairs(2)
TECH-ASSIST
02/09/2017 | 10:19:06
After multiple vacuum drain and fills, condition remains the same, doesn't seem to have an air pocket.

Vehicle doesn't boil over, just runs hot and warning light will flash. Fans come on.

We looked at the flow diagram found the #2 hose in the diagram hits squarely at the back of the Thermostat, because of the way of the outlet line back to Thermostat housing, it caused the overheat condition along with poor heater operation.

Replaced the Heater Core, over heat issue solved.

______________________________

Take care of yourself. Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions. Also, I wish you and your family a nice holiday season.

Joe

Susan:

I wish I could have helped more. It is possible that the blocked heater core was the problem, but the pump may have been bad too. When you get the car, ask why the heater core needs replaced. Is it blocked, leaking. Also, and just for the heck of it, check that hose I attached a picture of to see if it was bypassed.

Take care and I wish you and your family a great holiday season.

Joe

As far as the overheating, check the thermostat, make sure coolant level is full, and make sure the radiator isn't corroded inside.

As for the alt / att, check to see if there is a draw on the battery. There are directions on our homepage under the DIY section. If there is a draw, remove one fuse at a time to locate which circuit is causing the draw and check it.

Well yes it could definitely be the thermostat sticking, this is why I never deal with dealers and one of the reasons why I went to school for this. It could also be your engine coolant temp sensor and or possibly a clogged radiator, I dont see how the water pump is the problem if the water pump is not leaking nor is it making any kind of foul noise. But if it is under warranty still and is gonna be Free and make sure of that, then go ahead, Ill take a free waterpump with installlation. And whatever else they are gonna change for free, I know that is not the issue, but yes, you are absolutely correct

Are your cooling fans coming on? May be insufficient flow of coolant caused by dirty radiator. Is the water pump leaking or making any unusual noise? They normally do this if they are failing.