SOURCE: overheating after changing the head gasket
Yes, due to many things.
No ....1 Did you replace the thermostat ?
Take out the thermostat, and pop it in a saucepan covered in water, bring to the boil, and see if it opens, this will confirm if this is the fault.
If not..............
1. The cooling system must be topped up, and pressure tested to max running pressure 15lb sq in.
If there is an external leak this will show it up, possibly from cooling or heater hose, water pump, radiator, or the heater matrix.
If nothing is apparent an internal leak, must be then suspected, ie head/s or head/s gaket/s.
2. To test out this , a carbon monoxide test, should be carried out on the cooling system, by passing, a sample of the cooling system gas, when engine is at normal running temperature ,through the test fluid in the vacuum tester.
If the fluid changes color, this is proof the combustion chamber gases are escaping into the cooling system, which over pressurizes the system and normally blows the coolant out of the header tank overflow, as you drive along, and you do not see.
The other symptom of this problem, is the coolant leaks back into the combustion chambers, when the engine is switched off, and when you start later, a misfire is noticeable until the spark plug dries out.
Also if the plugs are removed, and after 1hr of cooling system pressurizing, the engine is spun, any coolant from the plug holes will confirm head, or head gasket failure.
I hope it is the thermostat....?
Let me have your thoughts !
Good Luck !
A FixYa rating is all I require...Thanks...John.
SOURCE: '97 Grand Prix 3.1L...Head Gasket? Manifold? Control Module?
Hi Melody- it feels like you could be right. it feels like your car was well worn when you got it. common causes of overheating are coolant too low, which is what i suspect was the case when you first got it. a stuck closed thermostat not allowing coolant to circulate. i assume you have an electric cooling fan- check to see if your fan motor is fried. you could also have large air pockets inside your cooling system which can give false coolant level. when you pour coolant into your radiator rather than your overflow tank, you introduce air into the cooling system that has to be purged by allowing the bubbles to work their way out through your radiator by squeezing your coolant hose you can assist the escape of these air pockets (with engine running) evidence of a cracked head can be presence of coolant in your engine oil-pull your oil dipstick and look. you say no evidence of coolant leakage, however, look underneath your car and check to see if there is coolant splatter surrounding the underside. it maybe that your car is maintaining enough pressure to run but when engine temps reach a point to where the radiator fan should kick on, and/or the thermostat should open to allow coolant flow and these things dont happen-the result is what you describe with no power and overheating that will eventually overstress your head(s) warped heads can cause the symptoms you describe. you can perform a compression test to help pinpoint a blown cyl. an idea for fixing your car for cheap would be to take it to your local high school auto shop. the only way kids learn the trade is by subject cars. ill bet you can even arrange them to pick it up. the will fix your car for cost. you would only need to supply whatever parts are needed to make the repair. its a win-win situation because they get to learn by fixing your car and you get to use your car for doing mommy things without fear of labor fees. which are around $120/hr. I hope i have helped you with your car good luck!
SOURCE: blown head gasket
Look the engine over and see if you can find any external leaks, change the thermostat and make sure that fan(s) are operating.
Check the oil for water...loosing that much, it has to show up somewhere. Blown headgasket usually puts oil in coolant or coolant in oil, causes an external leak from between head and block or goes out through the tailpipe as steam.
look carefully and you will find your problem!!
2,389 views
Usually answered in minutes!
×