New Radiator New Problems

Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's, Olds 98 91-96, Buick Lesabres and Park Avenue 91-96. Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.
ice_qube
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New Radiator New Problems

Post by ice_qube »

Ok, i have recently replaced my old radiator and thermostat. I have everything installed successfully and the hose to the engine from the top of the radiator gets hot when the car is running like normal. Now i ensured the coolant is topped off and the level in the resovoir (sp) is where it is supposed to be. Now when my car is running for a long period of time (not even necessarily a long period...just after its gotten hot) the check engine light comes on. I check the guages and notice that the Oil guage is in the red and pretty darn close to "0", but i know that there is oil in the car and there are no leaks. I also see the Temp guage is aroung 200. Then after a moment you can start to hear rumbling like the coolant is boiling in the lower hose. Now i did change my oil today as it was past due for a change and looked pretty dark anyway. but im Im completely lost as to what the issue is...its a brand new radiator...brand new thermostat...new fluid...somebody help me pelase :sadeyz: :dontknow:

to add some notes my old radiator literally busted as in there is a hole in the front of the radiator. not exactly sure what caused it but i blamed the thermostat and figured the radiator couldnt take the built up pressure and gave way. so now im left with a brand new radiator with a new issue... :helpsmilie:
ice_qube
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Re: New Radiator New Problems

Post by ice_qube »

ok ive done some searching. From what i found out it seems to be air in the system? Im guessing when the radiator blew all the fluid out thats when the air got in becuase the car was running... now if that is the issue all ive seen was to let the car run with the radiator cap off so the air bubbles can escape...is that correct?
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Re: New Radiator New Problems

Post by renchjeep »

If you search this site for "cooling system bleeding", I believe you will find the info you need.

http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... f=53&t=159
Last edited by renchjeep on Mon Mar 26, 2012 10:37 am, edited 1 time in total.
ice_qube
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Re: New Radiator New Problems

Post by ice_qube »

awesome!

as soon as i got home i tried to see if my radiator bleeder nozzle would release ...but seeing as though ..just about everything on my car is stock and it has 230k miles on it...the bleeder screw would not release. So i tried what i seen around on this forum and jacked the front right up as high as i could with the radiator cap off. As the car heated up (took a while) i noticed the fluid kept rising. After a while little bubbles were popping out(they werent big bubbles at all but i guess you could say that it was a lot of them)... i then kept hittin the throttle to heat the engine. Then poof! a bunch of radiator fluid came out (probably bout 1/4 a gallon) i cut the car off. I then waited a sec, slowly poured fluid back into the radiator to make sure it wouldnt erupt again, topped the fluid off...ran the car again for a while then i put the cap on and kept it running for a long period. there was no more boiling noise...so i think i did it :)....i hope

definitely appreciate the help renchjeep :beerchug:
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Re: New Radiator New Problems

Post by renchjeep »

Sounds like you got 'er done! Check the coolant level in the radiator again when cold, before starting the engine, after sitting overnight. Top up radiator, and fill overflow tank to the "cold" level. You should be good to go!
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Re: New Radiator New Problems

Post by ice_qube »

still havent had a chance to check it yet...ill try the first thing when i get out of work tomorrow
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Re: New Radiator New Problems

Post by ice_qube »

Ok so I finally got a chance to check it. The issue is still there. I did notice however that the noise is coming from fluid or air coming from the radiator to the reservoir. I did get the relief valve to work though so that's a plus so I'll try to get the air out the system again..or is there something else I should go?

How do you post videos, I just did a recording
Last edited by ice_qube on Tue Apr 03, 2012 7:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: New Radiator New Problems

Post by RogueSSEi »

ice_qube wrote:Ok so I finally got a chance to check it. The issue is still there. I did notice however that the noise is coming from fluid or air coming from the radiator to the reservoir. I did get the relief valve to work though so that's a plus so I'll try to get the air out the system again..or is there something else I should go?

How do you post videos, I just did a recording
You can post videos through photobucket or youtube.
Did you do what was said to do in the tech article?
Is/ Was the thermostat (with a bleeder hole) in the 12 o'clock postion when you replaced it?
Try this, (might have to get a thermostat housing gasket) but remove the upper thermostat housing from the LIM, fill with anitfreeze in the housing's hole, squeeze the lower radiator hose several times to get air out of the system. May have to repeat this step, after squezzing of the lower radiator hose the fluid level will go down in the LIM, continue to refill through the LIM hole. After repeating of this process several times and fluid stays at a constant level install the thermostat with the bleeder hole in the 12 o'clock position. Install the upper radiator housing,hose and gasket. Go to the radiator and fill that up. Continue to watch for a constant level in the radiator. when this is accomplished fill the resovoir, about 3 inches from the "hot" level mark.
Turn car on and let it reach the correct temp, slowly and carefully open the bleeder valve, you should hear air escaping (some anitfrezze will come out) And that should do it, if your thermostat did not come with a bleeder hole the instructions on how to do this is in the link that renchjeep posted. Good luck :beerchug:
Last edited by RogueSSEi on Tue Apr 03, 2012 7:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
wjcollier07
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Re: New Radiator New Problems

Post by wjcollier07 »

It's not really the primary focus here...but is no one concerned about his report of the oil gauge being near zero? I'd get a manual gauge on that ASAP.
John
Now: '15 Toyota Prius III | 134 hp 2ZR-FXE | Silver | 36k
Now: '03 Honda CR-V AWD | Slow 4-Cylinder | Dirt | 180k

Then: '07 Ford Fusion SEL | 221hp Gen I VVT Duratec 3.0 V6 | Tungsten Silver | 150k
Then: '99 Toyota Avalon XL | 200hp 1MZ-FE 3.0 V6 | Diamond White | 189k | Sold: July 2015
Then: '11 Ford Fusion SEL | 240hp Gen II VVT Duratec 3.0 V6 | Ingot Silver | 84k | Totaled: Oct 23 '14 (Rear-Ended)
Then: '96 Buick Park Avenue Ultra | 240hp Series II L67 | Medium Dark Lichen | Bought: JAN 11 @ 135k | Accident: FEB 3 '12 | Crushed: MAR 1 '13 @ 153K
Then: '98 Pontiac Bonneville SSE | 205hp Series II 3800 L36 | Topaz Firemist | Bought: NOV '09 @ 74k | Accident: MAY 28 '10 | Crushed: MAR 15 '11 @ 84k
Then: '93 Pontiac Bonneville SE | 170hp Series I 3800 L27 | Dark Yellow Green | Bought: JULY '07 @ 92k | Sold: JULY '12 @ 118k
Then: '89 Pontiac Bonneville LE | 165hp 3800 LN3 | Medium Garnet Red | Bought: JAN '05 @ 117k | Sold: SEP 30 '07 @ 152k
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Re: New Radiator New Problems

Post by RogueSSEi »

wjcollier07 wrote:It's not really the primary focus here...but is no one concerned about his report of the oil gauge being near zero? I'd get a manual gauge on that ASAP.
lol good point but the OP never mentioned anymore about it.
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Re: New Radiator New Problems

Post by ice_qube »

sorry for the late response i been caught up with school and work...sometimes it sucks working full time and school fulltime :( ...o well

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATY5Oi1TAjs (make sure your speakers aren't loud)

that's the video of the noise.

i did follow the steps with the thermostat and squeezing the lower hose. i did see allot of air bubbles come out once i did that and i haven't heard that noise again and i even warmed it up and took it for a spin a couple times around my city. I really appreciate the help.

now this oil gauge issue is making me wonder. when i was driving it around i haven't seen it drop to the red zone. But when i changed the oil and made sure that there was pressure i let it run and after warming up it dropped to the red zone. ill monitor it the next couple days as i'm still testing the car to make sure there is no more noise. If you have any idea please let me know what this might be.

Thanks for the comments
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Re: New Radiator New Problems

Post by RogueSSEi »

ice_qube wrote:sorry for the late response i been caught up with school and work...sometimes it sucks working full time and school fulltime :( ...o well

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATY5Oi1TAjs (make sure your speakers aren't loud)

that's the video of the noise.

i did follow the steps with the thermostat and squeezing the lower hose. i did see allot of air bubbles come out once i did that and i haven't heard that noise again and i even warmed it up and took it for a spin a couple times around my city. I really appreciate the help.

now this oil gauge issue is making me wonder. when i was driving it around i haven't seen it drop to the red zone. But when i changed the oil and made sure that there was pressure i let it run and after warming up it dropped to the red zone. ill monitor it the next couple days as i'm still testing the car to make sure there is no more noise. If you have any idea please let me know what this might be.

Thanks for the comments
Good to hear, Glad to help :beerchug:
youTube video link ------ "This video is private, sorry about that." ;)
I would assume it is the oil pressure sensor, I would replace it, and chances are it will eliminate the inaccurate pressure readings. Here is a link with where it's at and giving symptoms like you are describing viewtopic.php?f=53&t=17496

Here is another pic of the Oil Pressure Sensor Image

:beerchug:
Last edited by RogueSSEi on Fri Apr 13, 2012 11:31 am, edited 1 time in total.
ice_qube
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Re: New Radiator New Problems

Post by ice_qube »

Ok sorry about that the link should work now.
I'll pick the oil pressure sensor up one I get my next check
Last edited by ice_qube on Sat Apr 14, 2012 8:35 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: New Radiator New Problems

Post by ice_qube »

ok, i was driving the car all day yesterday (to work and to school, and to work today) and i havent noticed any problems regarding the radiator...i did notice the oil pressure drop though...but i do get paid on friday so i shall run to pick one up once i get off for the swap. i did notice when looking at the price for the sensor there are 2 different ones. I have the regular bonnivelle SE do i need the long neck one or the short one? also i notice (at oreillys at least) the long ones say "With guage" the short ones say "with light"...i have no clue what that means :bluetwitch:

and thanks for the link Rogue, that is what the symptoms seem like
Last edited by ice_qube on Thu Apr 19, 2012 8:24 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: New Radiator New Problems

Post by wjcollier07 »

If you've got a gauge on your dash, which you should, you'll need the long one. The short ones are ONLY a pressure switch that turn on an idiot light when the pressure is low.
John
Now: '15 Toyota Prius III | 134 hp 2ZR-FXE | Silver | 36k
Now: '03 Honda CR-V AWD | Slow 4-Cylinder | Dirt | 180k

Then: '07 Ford Fusion SEL | 221hp Gen I VVT Duratec 3.0 V6 | Tungsten Silver | 150k
Then: '99 Toyota Avalon XL | 200hp 1MZ-FE 3.0 V6 | Diamond White | 189k | Sold: July 2015
Then: '11 Ford Fusion SEL | 240hp Gen II VVT Duratec 3.0 V6 | Ingot Silver | 84k | Totaled: Oct 23 '14 (Rear-Ended)
Then: '96 Buick Park Avenue Ultra | 240hp Series II L67 | Medium Dark Lichen | Bought: JAN 11 @ 135k | Accident: FEB 3 '12 | Crushed: MAR 1 '13 @ 153K
Then: '98 Pontiac Bonneville SSE | 205hp Series II 3800 L36 | Topaz Firemist | Bought: NOV '09 @ 74k | Accident: MAY 28 '10 | Crushed: MAR 15 '11 @ 84k
Then: '93 Pontiac Bonneville SE | 170hp Series I 3800 L27 | Dark Yellow Green | Bought: JULY '07 @ 92k | Sold: JULY '12 @ 118k
Then: '89 Pontiac Bonneville LE | 165hp 3800 LN3 | Medium Garnet Red | Bought: JAN '05 @ 117k | Sold: SEP 30 '07 @ 152k
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Re: New Radiator New Problems

Post by SSEiMan01 »

One is for a car with an oil pressure gauge. (Bonneville) Some other models didn't have OP gauges, they had dummy lights on the dash. Make sure you get the one that says Gauge, and you'll be good. Also, don't skimp on the quality. Get a good one or you can pretty much expect to do it again soon. ACDelco is preferred. ;)
Will
91 Riviera | S2 L67 Swap/4T60E | 127K mi | Antelope Met. w/ Tan Int. | Saved From Death By Crusher
92 Bonneville SSE | L67/4T60E | 77K mi | Med Slate Grey w/ Two-Tone Grey Int. | Low Miles Time Capsule
92 Lumina Z34 | LQ1/4T60E | 177k mi | Torch Red w/Grey Int. | Rusty In Odd Spots
99 Tahoe LT | L31/4L65E | 276k mi | Spiral Grey Metallic w/Grey Int. | Truck for Truck Things and Portable Concert Hall
02 Bonneville SSEi | 171k mi | Black w/Neutral Int. | Backup and road trip car
03 Park Avenue Ultra | 212K mi | White Diamond Met. w/ Shale Int. | Southern Time Capsule
05 Acura RL | 165K mi | Carbon Grey Pearl w/Ebony Int. | The Super-Hooptie Daily

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ice_qube
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Re: New Radiator New Problems

Post by ice_qube »

ok thanks for the quick response

i noticed oreilly has 2 BWD and MasterPro (neither i ever heard of ) and Autozone has Duralast...
is there a special place i should order a ACDelco from or would the Duralast be considered a pretty good one?
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Re: New Radiator New Problems

Post by wjcollier07 »

Yeah, try to get it from RockAuto.com.

The prices are great, selection is great.

Or..if you need it right away...Advance or NAPAshould be able to get you an AC part special order.
John
Now: '15 Toyota Prius III | 134 hp 2ZR-FXE | Silver | 36k
Now: '03 Honda CR-V AWD | Slow 4-Cylinder | Dirt | 180k

Then: '07 Ford Fusion SEL | 221hp Gen I VVT Duratec 3.0 V6 | Tungsten Silver | 150k
Then: '99 Toyota Avalon XL | 200hp 1MZ-FE 3.0 V6 | Diamond White | 189k | Sold: July 2015
Then: '11 Ford Fusion SEL | 240hp Gen II VVT Duratec 3.0 V6 | Ingot Silver | 84k | Totaled: Oct 23 '14 (Rear-Ended)
Then: '96 Buick Park Avenue Ultra | 240hp Series II L67 | Medium Dark Lichen | Bought: JAN 11 @ 135k | Accident: FEB 3 '12 | Crushed: MAR 1 '13 @ 153K
Then: '98 Pontiac Bonneville SSE | 205hp Series II 3800 L36 | Topaz Firemist | Bought: NOV '09 @ 74k | Accident: MAY 28 '10 | Crushed: MAR 15 '11 @ 84k
Then: '93 Pontiac Bonneville SE | 170hp Series I 3800 L27 | Dark Yellow Green | Bought: JULY '07 @ 92k | Sold: JULY '12 @ 118k
Then: '89 Pontiac Bonneville LE | 165hp 3800 LN3 | Medium Garnet Red | Bought: JAN '05 @ 117k | Sold: SEP 30 '07 @ 152k
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Re: New Radiator New Problems

Post by SSEiMan01 »

Napa should have a name brand unit. I think that's where I got my Delco unit from.
Will
91 Riviera | S2 L67 Swap/4T60E | 127K mi | Antelope Met. w/ Tan Int. | Saved From Death By Crusher
92 Bonneville SSE | L67/4T60E | 77K mi | Med Slate Grey w/ Two-Tone Grey Int. | Low Miles Time Capsule
92 Lumina Z34 | LQ1/4T60E | 177k mi | Torch Red w/Grey Int. | Rusty In Odd Spots
99 Tahoe LT | L31/4L65E | 276k mi | Spiral Grey Metallic w/Grey Int. | Truck for Truck Things and Portable Concert Hall
02 Bonneville SSEi | 171k mi | Black w/Neutral Int. | Backup and road trip car
03 Park Avenue Ultra | 212K mi | White Diamond Met. w/ Shale Int. | Southern Time Capsule
05 Acura RL | 165K mi | Carbon Grey Pearl w/Ebony Int. | The Super-Hooptie Daily

James May wrote:Hello.
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Re: New Radiator New Problems

Post by RogueSSEi »

I agree with the guys above, go with a name brand (AC Delco preferred) and you shouldn't have any more issues with the inaccurate readings. Also Rockauto.com is a great site to get quality parts at a fair price, and it's a good site to look at the actual picture of the part, their pretty good at having the correct picture for referrence, since I found the site I WON'T shop anywhere else for parts lol.
No problem, Glad to help out :beerchug:
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