Register and join the largest automotive community online!
Google  
Web AF
Please Register or Login to access: DriverSide DriverSide Home | Service & Repair | Car Prices | Parts & Accessories | Reviews & Advice | My Garage

Radiator Problem? Engine Coolant Temp behaving funny


Google  
Web AF

humandoing
09-07-2004, 01:10 PM
Hi all,

I recently got into a little bit of a rear-ender <insert bad words here>...

Since then, the engine seems to be running a little hotter than it ought to, and I've noticed a bit of dripping on occasion from the radiator.

The coolant is still at a full level however, but what's strange is that I can tell from the handy electronic guage in the car, that while I'm driving, the temperature fluctuates like crazy. If I recall correctly, this seemed to always regulate itself exactly at 89-90 degrees, but now it will get up to around 97 degrees, and then I can hear the fan kick in, and drop down to around 85 degrees, and basically it just keeps doing this. Even if I am only idling the engine in my driveway, or if I am driving on the highway.

The fan turns on and off and on and off like nobodies business. Any ideas? I've had a friend tell me that a sensor or thermostat probably needs replacing. What is your collective wisdom?

Also, I was looking at the price of a new radiator, and someone asked me if the radiator on my olds had an engine oil cooling reservoir? Um... Any ideas?

It's a 1990 Ciera SL, 3.3 Liter 6 cylinder.

Any help would be awesome. Much appreciated.

Add your comment to this topic!


Google  
Web AF