Overheating?

1996 CHEVROLET CAVALIER

85,000 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

WESTDAVIS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I was given this car, and had it professionally checked out.
Been working through a list of recommended issues from the mechanic. The latest project was replacement of radiator hoses and coolant flush. The car was running okay prior to performing the repairs, now I let it run for 10-15 minutes and it overheats. Pump and thermostat both seem to be working, as upper and lower hoses are both hot (upper seems to be hotter than lower). I bled all the air out of the system and re-topped it off after running for a few minutes. I also used the recommended orange coolant per the owner's manual.

Sep 9, 2023 at 11:16 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

When it overheats, does the cooling fan turn on? Also, if you drive it at highway speed, does it overheat?

Take a look through this link if the fans aren't working:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/comprehensive-guide-diagnosing-and-fixing-automotive-radiator-cooling-fans

As far as the orange coolant, what was in it prior to replacing it. The orange coolant is Dexcool. It can't be mixed with traditional coolant. If the engine block was still filled with traditional coolant, drain the system, flush the engine block and radiator, and then install the Dexcool.

Let me know.

Joe

Sep 10, 2023 at 2:39 PM

WESTDAVIS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks guys. Fan works. Yesterday, we re-drained all the coolant (radiator, block, and heater core). It started and ran for a while without overheating. However, there was no heat inside the car. We're letting it sit in hopes that the air bubbles work their way out, but might have it taken care of.

Sep 10, 2023 at 10:31 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

Do me a favor. Turn the heater on high. When the engine reaches operating temperature, feel both heater core hoses under the hood. Both should be hot. Let me know what you find. Also, let me know if when you refilled it if the heater was on high as the engine warmed up.

Take care,

Joe

Sep 11, 2023 at 12:38 PM

WESTDAVIS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Joe,

We ran it to operating temperature a few times, and let the air work its way through the system, and it seems to be working fine now. Crisis averted.

Sep 11, 2023 at 11:16 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

Thanks for the update. It's good to know it is working correctly for you now. If anything changes, let me know.

Also, feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Take care,

Joe

Sep 12, 2023 at 10:16 AM

Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.