97 Blazer Overheating--Help!

I have a 97 Chevy Blazer with 131,000 miles, 4WD. Last week, I noticed that it ran hot. My boyfriend added some water because he said it seemed a little low. He also told me that the coolant was extremely nasty and that I needed to get the radiator flushed. It ran fine for a week and then overheated. So, I take it on Saturday to get the radiator flushed. After flushing the radiator, the mechanic tells me that he took it out for a test drive and that it still wanted to "run over". So, he takes some out. After paying $86 and some change, they tell me I am good to go. I make it about 6 miles to home and park it. About 3 hours later, I decide to go for a ride about 10 miles away. On the way to my destination, it seemed that the temp was going up quick. Got to where i was going and stayed for about an hour. Drove about half way home and got a call from where i just had been and was told that I just dumped a lot of coolant in the driveway. By this time, the truck is already on it's way to the red markers on the dash. I pull it into the mechanics place and park it and leave. Yesterday, I spent 3 and a half glorious hours at the mechanic again. He thought it needed a new thermostat but that didn't work. Then they tell me that i need a new radiator(189.00!!!!). Now, why on earth did they flush the d*** radiator and charge me for it on Saturday? Wouldn't they have known then that there was a problem? Could it be simple as replacing something else?
When it overheats, the coolant is pushed out the resevoir through the overflow(does this really exist)? I have spoken to a couple of people and they say to replace the cap. Any suggestions or help?.......please........thanks in advance!!!!:licka:

My overheating problem started with the intake manifold and ended up being a bad rad. IF your losing coolant, it could be a manifold leak. Can you see where it may be leaking from. And yes I could deff get rid of the stock rad cap. Get your self a stant cap regardless what other problems you are having dont let it over heat any more. I let mine kick my butt. I ending up blowing the bottom end and having to put in a new motor(3000.00)

It's leaking out of the resevoir through the "overflow".

First, does it have a new cap on it - if not that would be a $5 part to try before a new radiator. If yes, could be the radiator but could be a blown head gasket thet super heats the water and it blows back past the cap. Need to pressure test the system and see if it holds pressure and if not find out where the leak is so may have to look at the oil after if system pressure drops and then each plug to see if a head gasket and which cylinder.

It's leaking out of the resevoir through the "overflow".

It sounds like you need to find a diffrent mechanic.
And one that can do a head gasket check and has one of these.
http://tools.batauto.com/index.php?crn=223&rn=1086&action=show_detail.
It needs some proper testing.

Tips on finding a good repair shop.
Check around Ask around
Word of mouth.
Family friends coworkers neighbors business people and delivery people.
Mailmen and parcel delivery people get around and notice a lot of stuff.
Even a good parts house knows what shops are good and not good.
Chamber of commerce and better business bureau and city hall.
If you find a good referral to a repair shop go look them over and talk to them.
Look for a clean looking busy place with nice people running it.
Ask a few questions and ask about their qualifications and training.
Not all places have trained tech/mechanics.
If they do not find a place that does.
Even all dealers do not have all trained techs/mechanics.

GOOD LUCK AND LET US KNOW HOW IT GOES.
MT

nope, the cap is not new. i am going to try this 1st which should have been the mechanics first suggestion.....thanks!

Also make sure you hear no air or gurgling noise which is air in the heater core mainly and that also can cause the temp spikes.

Hey everyone! Here is what has happened since we we talked the other day. My boyfriend put a new cap on the radiator. Doesn't overheat now, but the check engine light showed itself after driving it around the block with a new radiator cap. The temp still has not gone over the middle line on the dash thermostat. I have another question though. When the mechanic "flushed" my radiator, should the new coolant have been green or orange? Does it matter? Before the trip to the mechanic it was orange and they replaced it with green. I did not have this overheating constantly problem until i took it to the mechanic. So, do I need to change it to orange? Also, my boyfriend says he found a leak but it wasn't on the radiator. He says it down below--he slides under the truck and can see a drip where the water line hooks to the engine(i don't even know if i am saying this right so bear with me:) He said he can see a lot of permaseal and he runs a finger along it and it is damp. Any ideas? Thanks for all the help so far.......I truly believe there is nothing wrong with my radiator(i could be wrong....).

Hey everyone! Here is what has happened since we we talked the other day. My boyfriend put a new cap on the radiator. Doesn't overheat now, but the check engine light showed itself after driving it around the block with a new radiator cap. The temp still has not gone over the middle line on the dash thermostat. I have another question though. When the mechanic "flushed" my radiator, should the new coolant have been green or orange? Does it matter? Before the trip to the mechanic it was orange and they replaced it with green. I did not have this overheating constantly problem until i took it to the mechanic. So, do I need to change it to orange? Also, my boyfriend says he found a leak but it wasn't on the radiator. He says it down below--he slides under the truck and can see a drip where the water line hooks to the engine(i don't even know if i am saying this right so bear with me:) He said he can see a lot of permaseal and he runs a finger along it and it is damp. Any ideas? Thanks for all the help so far.......I truly believe there is nothing wrong with my radiator(i could be wrong....).


As to the green or orange coolant either on is ok.
Just not mix them.

But on the leak it needs to be fixed fast.
If boyfreind can not fix it for you.
You need to look for another mechanic.
Several places you could have a leak.
Is the leak under the water pump or someplace else.
Like where a heater hose runs into engine or intake gasket?
MT

he says the leak is under the water pump

he says the leak is under the water pump

Sounds like it is time for a water pump.
Good Luck
MT

we've replaced it once already but my former mechanic did it...will let you know how it goes.....thanks again for all the help!

we've replaced it once already but my former mechanic did it...will let you know how it goes.....thanks again for all the help!

Take a close look at it to be sure.
They can leak from the drain hole under water pump or the gasket where they bolt to engine.
If just replaced check the mounting gaskets real close and also lower rad hose and clamp where it goes on water pump. .
PS
You might hand the boyfriend a wrench and a chilton repair manual find out what he knows about installing water pumps.:grinyes: :lol:
Good luck.
MT