96 GA overheating

My wifes 96 Grand Am overheats ,The cooling fan comes on but it still gets very hot.The shop said that they checked the radiator and it is hotter on one side than the other,Changed the termostat frist but still over heats.Is it time to replace the radiator($150.00)+cost.

Tom

Have they checked the water pump?

No I have not replaced the water pump.I`m going to try the radiator first.And hope that takes care of the over heating,If that dose not help then maybe a rebuilt water pump is in line. Thanks for your reply.

Tom

U should try the whater pump before its less expensive that the rad. and it's a pretty easy job to do by your self

I agree with acadien, unless you have a line on a radiator, the water pump will be cheaper. If you end up changing the pump and go with a rebuildt pump, make sure you check it over. I once put a remaned water pump in my wife's 77 Olds Cutlass (long time ago), after I installed it the car was still acting up, after tearing down the heads I finally eliminated everything else and came back to the water pump and I found out that the rebuildt pump was not working, the impeller was spinning on the shaft and was slipping when installed so the coolant was not circulating. Needless to say, I wasn't happy I tore down the top end and it was a bad replacement pump, I would hate for someone else to go through what I did all because of a bad rebuildt pump.

Good luck.

U should try the whater pump before its less expensive that the rad. and it's a pretty easy job to do by your self

How hard is it to change the water pump on a 96 2.4l 4cyl engine. I am a "Tim Taylor" DIY'er. Also how easy is the thermostat?

I have not changed the water pump on my 96 GAGT, I had a mechanic friend do it for me, He said that is is rather complicated on the 2.4, he said that you have to remove the exhaust manifold to get to the [ump. I am not sure if this is true but you may want to purchase a Chilton or Haynes repair manual for the 96 2.4L engine, it will break down the proceedure for you. I will check my Haynes Manual tomarrow and give you a rundown on changing the water pump and thermostat. Unfortunately my manual is down in my shop and I can't get it until morning, as soon as I get a chance I'll post back to you.

I have not changed the water pump on my 96 GAGT, I had a mechanic friend do it for me, He said that is is rather complicated on the 2.4, he said that you have to remove the exhaust manifold to get to the [ump. I am not sure if this is true but you may want to purchase a Chilton or Haynes repair manual for the 96 2.4L engine, it will break down the proceedure for you. I will check my Haynes Manual tomarrow and give you a rundown on changing the water pump and thermostat. Unfortunately my manual is down in my shop and I can't get it until morning, as soon as I get a chance I'll post back to you.


I am very appreciative of your help. I will check back tomorrow.

Thanks,

Aaron

The reason I don`t think it is a water pump is that when she is on the highway over 35+ mph the water temp goes back down to norm.
Tom

Tom- sounds like a partially blocked radiator, try removing it and doing an easy flow test: I ran water through mine in the bath tub, it kept up with the water all the way on...

Brock: The water pump is a royal pain in the ass. The exhaust manifold does have to come off and out of the car to get it out of the way, and I think the timing chain has to come off on yours as well, not sure about that as my manual only goes to 95.

And it would help if i read all of the post... the thermostat on the quad motors 1994 and up is located on the back side of the motor right after the water pump, and you have to do it from under the car. gotta love the design of that one...

Changing the pump wont fix anything.. the pump is always moving inside its a matter of the main seal going and having coolant spill.. first off replace the resivior cap... then the thermostat.. next make sure all air out of the system by using the bleeder.. .. But before all this make sure you have replaced the system with new coolant properly mixed 50/50 with distilled water and have the system completly flushed... dont waste your money on the pump

I hope to get the car back on Tuesday,If I keep replacing the parts I`ll have a new car soon.LOL

Tom

Well after a new termostat and a new radiator the dam thing still over heats.It will go to norm at speeds over 35+ so I don`t think it could be the water pump,Some one thought maybe a head gasset(sp)but I don`t see anything leeking out anywhere.It may be time to buy a Toyota.

Tom

ok as i said dont replace anything major until you know for sure what it is... Next if a head gasket is the prob.. your exaust would be a white smoke or have coolant in your oil..

Make sure all air out of the system and make sure your resivior cap is good shape or get a new one.. Also make sure all air is out of the cooling system.. if you dont it wont work right...

Also what do you call overheating.... how hot is that?