My Engine is Overheating?

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

Overheating can be the result of a few different things. Make sure the coolant level is full and the cooling fan is turning on to help cool the engine when it begins to exceed normal operating temperature on the gauge. If it is, I would next recommend that you flush the cooling system and replace the thermostat. Here are general directions for this process and a link that discusses the system:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cooling-system

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-an-engine-thermostat-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

___________________________________

If you decide to flush the system and replace the thermostat, here are directions specific to your vehicle. All attached pictures correlate to these directions:

___________________________________ Removal

1. Disconnect negative cable from remote jumper terminal.

2. Drain cooling system. Refer to See: Cooling System > Procedures

3. Raise vehicle on hoist.

4. Remove right front wheel and belt splash shield.

5. Remove accessory drive belts. Refer to See: Drive Belt > Service and Repair

6. Remove lower generator mounting bolt.

7. Lower vehicle.

8. Disconnect generator electrical connectors.

9. Disconnect A/C clutch and AC pressure sensor electrical connectors. Reposition wiring harness.

10. Remove oil dipstick and tube. Plug hole in oil pan where dipstick tube mounts with water tight stopper.

WARNING: If hole for dipstick tube in oil pan is not plugged, coolant will enter oil pan. Serious engine damage can occur.

11. Remove remaining generator mounting bolts. Remove generator.

12. Remove radiator hose tube mounting bolt (3).

13. Disconnect hose clamps (1) at thermostat housing.

14. Remove thermostat housing bolts.

15. Remove thermostat and housing.

__________________________ Install

1. Clean gasket sealing surfaces.

Note: Install thermostat with the bleed valve located at the 12 o'clock position.

2. Install the thermostat and gasket into the thermostat housing.

3. Install thermostat and housing to cylinder block. Tighten attaching bolts to 12 Nm (105 in.lbs).

4. Install radiator hose tube (2) to thermostat and housing. Connect hose clamps (1) at thermostat housing. Install radiator hose tube mounting bolt (3).

5. Install generator and attaching bolts.

CAUTION: Before removing plug in oil pan, clean residual coolant from area.

6. Remove plug in oil pan and install engine oil dipstick tube.

7. Reconnect AC clutch and AC pressure sensor connectors.

8. Reconnect generator connectors.

9. Raise vehicle on hoist.

10. Install accessory drive belts. Refer to See: Drive Belt > Service and Repair

11. Install belt splash shield and right front wheel.

12. Lower vehicle.

13. Reconnect negative battery cable.

14. Fill cooling system. Refer to See: Cooling System > Procedures

______________________________Refilling the system

Cooling System Filling - 2.7L

Note: Drain-cock should be hand tightened only.

Note: It is imperative that the cooling system air bleed valve be opened before any coolant is added to the cooling system. Failure to open the bleed valve first will result in an incomplete fill of the system.

1. Close radiator draincock by turning clockwise.
2. Open cooling system bleed valve.
3. Attach a 6.35 mm (0.250 in.) inside diameter clear hose that is 120.0 cm (48 in.) long to the bleed valve. Route the hose away from accessory drive belts and radiator fan. Position the other end of hose into a clean collecting container. The hose will prevent coolant from contacting accessory drive belts and other components.
4. Remove cooling system pressure cap. Attach Filling Aid Funnel 8195, to coolant pressure container filler neck.
5. Use the supplied clip to pinch overflow hose that connects between the two chambers of the pressure container.
6. Pour coolant into the larger section of Filling Aid Funnel (the smaller section of funnel is to allow air to escape).
7. Slowly continue filling until a steady stream of coolant flows from attached hose on bleed valve.
8. Close bleed valve and continue filling system to top of Filling Aid Funnel. DO NOT overtighten. Tighten to 12.4 Nm (110 lbs. in.).
9. Remove clip from overflow hose.
10. Allow coolant in Filling Aid Funnel to drain into overflow chamber of pressure container.
11. Remove Filling Aid Funnel 8195 and install pressure cap on pressure container.
12. Remove hose from bleed valve.
13. Start engine and allow to run until thermostat opens and radiator fans cycle.

Note: If the engine cooling system overheats and pushes coolant into the overflow chamber of the pressure container, this coolant will be drawn back into the cooling system Only if the pressure cap is left on the pressure container. Removing the pressure cap breaks the vacuum path between the two chambers of the pressure container and the coolant will not return to the cooling system. The engine cooling system will push any remaining air into the pressure container within about one half hour of normal driving. As a result, a drop in coolant level in the pressure container may occur.

14. Shut off engine and allow it to cool down. This permits coolant to be drawn into the pressure chamber.
15. With engine cold observe coolant level in pressure chamber. Coolant level should be within MIN and MAX marks. Adjust coolant level as necessary

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,
Joe

Remember the system is pressurized first off. Average temperature should be in 195-210 with a 195 stat in it. But a lot of auto gauges are notoriously off so use a infra red one from auto parts on top hose if it goes above 230 -250 then it is a problem.

The radiator is under the front of the hood. The heater hoses are under the rear of the hood under the windshield. Either of those could have a leak. Also, there could be a leaking radiator hose, engine block core plug, or water pump. You'll have to look for where the steam is coming from. If possible, post a photo of the location.

Hello,

There is only one thermostat at the lower hose. It sounds like it is running normal. Try to check the heat at the upper radiator hose.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-infrared-temperature-meter

Please let us know what happens, we are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken

We are glad you like it. I like it too :)

The car might be fine, is it overheating or the gauge says its hot? Really need the infrared to see.

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

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

If it overheats then no need for one. Lets check for a blown head gasket . Here is a couple of guides that can help confirm the problem.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

and

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

You can get anything you need from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/OEMTOOLS-27145-Block-Tester/dp/B004FELK6A

Please run this test and get back to us we are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken

If you have them do a leak down test, that will confirm you do not have a bad head gasket. Assuming it is ok, then you may have a clogged radiator.

Roy

Ok, a leak down test is where they remove the spark plugs and inert shop air into the cylinder and see if the coolant moves in the rad. If it does, you have head gasket issues. If not then all is ok and you need to have the rad flow tested.

Roy