2000 Overheating --- Please Help !!!
clueinonme
09-08-2005, 08:54 AM
I have a 2000 Malibu which has been over heating for a couple of weeks or so.
The engine warms up to 1 mark above half on the temp gage when the car is running normal. As I continue to run the engine I notice that the tamp gage will move up past 3/4. At the same time I have the blower set on 5 with the temp set all the way in the red. I notice that when the engine temp is rising the blower will cease to blow hot air. When the engine temp is falling the blower will begin to blow super hot air.
This behavior went on for the first couple of days into this issue. Now, the engine temp climbs into the red and the blower will blow out cold air.
I replaced the thermostat 2 times. I had the engine coolant replaced VIA a vacuum so I know there isn't any air in the system.
Today, when the engine temp climbed into the red I noticed that the fan did not come on. The top hose is super hot and the bottom hose is not so hot that I can't touch the hose. If I had to put a temp on the lower hose I would say that it was luke warm.
I have noticed that the reservoir tank has browned on the opposite side of the steam tubes coming from the radiator and the thermostat housing. I am sure the browning is due to hot water coming through these steam tubes. The browning seems to be more concentrated around the tube coming from the thermostat housing though.
I took the water pump off and had it checked and it was fine.
Last night I took a look at the oil cap and I noticed a milky tan substance on the bottom of the cap. I also noticed this substance around the inside of the oil cap hole in the valve cover. I didn't see the substance on the springs or the rockers.
My next test will be to take the hoses off of the radiator and check for blockage in the radiator and hoses.
Can anyone suggest further steps to take or possibilities I have not mentioned?
The engine warms up to 1 mark above half on the temp gage when the car is running normal. As I continue to run the engine I notice that the tamp gage will move up past 3/4. At the same time I have the blower set on 5 with the temp set all the way in the red. I notice that when the engine temp is rising the blower will cease to blow hot air. When the engine temp is falling the blower will begin to blow super hot air.
This behavior went on for the first couple of days into this issue. Now, the engine temp climbs into the red and the blower will blow out cold air.
I replaced the thermostat 2 times. I had the engine coolant replaced VIA a vacuum so I know there isn't any air in the system.
Today, when the engine temp climbed into the red I noticed that the fan did not come on. The top hose is super hot and the bottom hose is not so hot that I can't touch the hose. If I had to put a temp on the lower hose I would say that it was luke warm.
I have noticed that the reservoir tank has browned on the opposite side of the steam tubes coming from the radiator and the thermostat housing. I am sure the browning is due to hot water coming through these steam tubes. The browning seems to be more concentrated around the tube coming from the thermostat housing though.
I took the water pump off and had it checked and it was fine.
Last night I took a look at the oil cap and I noticed a milky tan substance on the bottom of the cap. I also noticed this substance around the inside of the oil cap hole in the valve cover. I didn't see the substance on the springs or the rockers.
My next test will be to take the hoses off of the radiator and check for blockage in the radiator and hoses.
Can anyone suggest further steps to take or possibilities I have not mentioned?
bobss396
09-08-2005, 09:12 AM
How does the oil dipstick look? It sounds like you have an oil and water contamination problem. Not knowing too much about the engine, you should have a pro look at it to make a proper diagnosis.
bcopeland
09-08-2005, 09:17 AM
1) What type engine?
2) How many miles?
It seems that you might be experiencing the intake manifold gasket syndrome. Are you mechanically inclined so as to replace it on your own or do you need a mechanic? I had idling problems before mine blew. I even had the dealer replace the gasket and it overheated again on the way home. I finally had to do it myself.
2) How many miles?
It seems that you might be experiencing the intake manifold gasket syndrome. Are you mechanically inclined so as to replace it on your own or do you need a mechanic? I had idling problems before mine blew. I even had the dealer replace the gasket and it overheated again on the way home. I finally had to do it myself.
clueinonme
09-08-2005, 10:23 AM
1) What type engine?
2) How many miles?
It seems that you might be experiencing the intake manifold gasket syndrome. Are you mechanically inclined so as to replace it on your own or do you need a mechanic? I had idling problems before mine blew. I even had the dealer replace the gasket and it overheated again on the way home. I finally had to do it myself.
I have a V6 engine with ~120,000 miles.
I was talking with a guy just now and thought about blockage in the radiator. How possible would it be that the radiator would be blocked enough to cause the fluid to slow enough to heat the engine up that much.
In addition, since my engine has been getting real hot lately would it be possible that the tan milky substance be caused from condensation? My dipstick is just fine. No substance on my dip stick. I changed my oil last night and did not find anything unusual in the oil. I am pretty sure that my head gaskets are fine.
2) How many miles?
It seems that you might be experiencing the intake manifold gasket syndrome. Are you mechanically inclined so as to replace it on your own or do you need a mechanic? I had idling problems before mine blew. I even had the dealer replace the gasket and it overheated again on the way home. I finally had to do it myself.
I have a V6 engine with ~120,000 miles.
I was talking with a guy just now and thought about blockage in the radiator. How possible would it be that the radiator would be blocked enough to cause the fluid to slow enough to heat the engine up that much.
In addition, since my engine has been getting real hot lately would it be possible that the tan milky substance be caused from condensation? My dipstick is just fine. No substance on my dip stick. I changed my oil last night and did not find anything unusual in the oil. I am pretty sure that my head gaskets are fine.
porrsher
09-10-2005, 03:32 PM
Radiator blockage could be a possibility, however the milky substance is a clear sign of a head gasket blown.
tom3
09-11-2005, 01:04 PM
Short trip driving can cause the milky look in the cap. Not uncommon to see leaves and dirt buildup between the radiator and the AC condensor, restricting air flow. Really wonder why the cooling fan isn't on though. I'd sure change the oil and take a close look at what comes out just to check for the intake gasket leak mentioned above. Wouldn't be surprised to find a bad head gasket, the symptoms point in that direction.
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