Car overheats

Tiny
JACKIE MCKEE
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 BUICK CENTURY
  • 125,000 MILES
After driving thirty minutes or so, the engine overheats.
Monday, August 14th, 2017 AT 5:51 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
Well there are about a dozen things that can cause overheating. First thing to do is to check the coolant level. The engine needs to be cold because this system builds pressure when it is hot and can badly scald you if you open it while it is hot. When the engine is cold, just raise the hood and take the cap off of the radiator. The engine needs to be cold because this system builds pressure when it is hot and can badly scald you if you open it while it is hot. If the radiator is not completely full, it means that you have a leak somewhere.

If the radiator is full, then the issue is likely caused by something blocking coolant flow. A bad thermostat can restrict coolant flow, causing the engine to overheat. Here is more information: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-an-engine-thermostat-works
Your car's thermostat is where the upper radiator hose meets the engine. If your thermostat is the problem, the upper radiator hose will be cool enough that you can keep your hand on it even when the engine is hot. Normally when the engine is warm that hose will be too hot to touch like that. Honestly, I wouldn't even bother checking it. I would just go ahead and replace it. It is a $10.00 part, a regular maintenance item, and only takes about ten minutes to change.

So start with checking the coolant level. If it is not low, then change the thermostat and take it for a ride. Let us know how it goes.
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Monday, August 14th, 2017 AT 7:05 PM

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