Hot temperature warning, engine running rough, stall

Tiny
TEXACA
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 BUICK RENDEZVOUS
  • 3.4L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 224,000 MILES
Hello, my vehicle developed a problem while I was out driving around. The first indicator was some blue smoke, it looked like it was coming from the Overhead Valve covers. I did not detect any fluids dripping, running, or being dumped on the ground. Then it started to run erratically, so l pulled over, it acted like it was overheating, but both fans are operating correctly. But when I tried to drive it, it shut off again. It would not start, but did so after 10 minutes. I heard some rattling noise, it sounded like some transmission noise, but not 100% sure of that.

I got a "Hot Temperature" Warning light, after it shut off a 3rd time, so I turned off the engine, but the water/coolant temperature gauge was at a normal operating temperature. I heard what appears to sound like lifters rattling, like when they run without oil. But oil dipstick show that it is Properly filled up, and so is the coolant reservoir. The coolant system was not overheating, the serpentine belt is Intact, and operating okay.
After it cooled for 4 hours, I drove it back home, without incident. No smoke was detected on the drive back, no erratic behavior, but I was driving very slow, not at highway speeds, like when the problem started.

It sounds like maybe a oil pump issue, but I haven't diagnosed the problem, which started today 06/26/2021. All these events happened today. Tomorrow, I'll check the codes on it.
How do I test for oil pressure?
Saturday, June 26th, 2021 AT 9:24 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,262 POSTS
Hi,

Certainly, check for codes and let me know what is found.

As far as the oil pressure, you will need a mechanical oil pressure gauge. Basically, all you need to do is remove the electric oil pressure sensor and screw in the mechanical.

Most people don't own a mechanical pressure gauge, but oftentimes, a parts store will lend one to you.

If you look below, I attached the specifications for the oil pressure. It's actually higher than I expected.

Also, I included a pic showing the location of the oil pressure sensor to help you locate it. See pic 2

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, June 26th, 2021 AT 9:59 PM
Tiny
TEXACA
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
Well, it looks like a have a end cap, that is either broken on my radiator or the seam is bad, on the left hand side of the radiator. It looks like it is leaking from the seam, where the plastic and aluminum meet. This explains the erratic behavior, the car was definitely overheating two days ago, when I posted my question.
I'll continue with my investigation and diagnosis. Thanks
-- Alfredo Alaniz

PS: Thanks for the information, that you provided JACOBANDNICKOLAS.
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Monday, June 28th, 2021 AT 5:07 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,262 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. If the radiator is leaking at the seam, replace it. There really isn't a good fix for that problem.

If you decide to replace it, here is a link to get you started. This will help in general.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-radiator

If you look at the directions below, they are specific to your vehicle for removal and replacement.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Monday, June 28th, 2021 AT 8:05 PM
Tiny
TEXACA
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
Thanks, it must've failed on my trip around town. It was over due for replacement, I think this was the original radiator. I just ordered a new one online, with new coolant hoses.
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Monday, June 28th, 2021 AT 9:13 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,262 POSTS
That sounds like a plan. Let me know if you have questions or if there is anything I can do to help.

Also, if you have a chance, let me know the outcome.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, June 28th, 2021 AT 10:50 PM
Tiny
TEXACA
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
Okay Mr JACOBANDNICKOLAS, I fixed my radiator issues this Saturday, replaced both radiator hoses, and the serpentine belt. My radiator was starting to disintegrate, at the output port. It was crumbling like a fortune cookie.
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Tuesday, July 6th, 2021 AT 9:14 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,262 POSTS
Hi,

I'm glad to hear you got it fixed. And certainly, the radiator looks really bad. LOL You have to love plastic. Ugh! I miss the old days.

Regardless, please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions or need help. You are always welcome here.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, July 6th, 2021 AT 9:13 PM
Tiny
TEXACA
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
I really do not like plastic part usage in the engine bay, it's planned and engineered obsolescence, because it guarantees a failure. Arrrgh!
And there's no way to repair that radiator, unless you have a TIG welder, so that you can rebuild it with spare or new components.

Thanks for your Help,
Alfredo Alaniz,
Tyler, Texas. Aka Texmenistan, lol
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Wednesday, July 7th, 2021 AT 12:22 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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I totally agree. You take care of yourself and feel free to come back in the future.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, July 7th, 2021 AT 7:40 PM

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