Overheating

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swampthing
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Overheating

Post by swampthing »

The car started running hot today, it will cool off while at highway speeds but will quickly climb at idle or in traffic. Both fans are running with a/c on, there hasn't been any antifreeze under the car that I have seen. I squeezed the goer and lower hoses with it running and they both feel empty.
Thermostat is original and so is the water pump limited gaskets have been replaced with updated design as well.

Right now I am waiting for it to cool off so I can check the level in the radiator any suggestions would he appreciated
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Re: Overheating

Post by 00Beast »

Replace the thermostat and the radiator cap. A bad t-stat will cause over-heating and a bad cap will cause no pressure.
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Ponch 04
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Re: Overheating

Post by Ponch 04 »

I had the same issue with the wife's '02 Grand Prix. I replaced the thermostat and radiator cap with no luck. Turned out that the water pump went bad. Replaced it and have had no problems since.
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2002BonnevilleSE
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Re: Overheating

Post by 2002BonnevilleSE »

00Beast wrote:Replace the thermostat and the radiator cap. A bad t-stat will cause over-heating and a bad cap will cause no pressure.
Plus I'd flush the system just to be sure.
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SSEiMan01
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Re: Overheating

Post by SSEiMan01 »

Start with the T-stat for sure since it's got some decent mileage on it. Good time to flush like Bob said. :)
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swampthing
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Re: Overheating

Post by swampthing »

Well for the short term I checked the radiator and found it was low, I added water and checked for leaks to no avail. It ran fine the rest of the day never heating up and no puddles underneath. My hope is that it was just low from the coolant evaporating or something along those lines
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Re: Overheating

Post by 00Beast »

Coolant doesn't just evaporate. Sometimes water pumps and stuff only leak when they're cold. Put some cardboard under the car and see if it leaves any spots overnight.
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