1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Overheating

1996 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
80,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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TOGMIT
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My 1996 Ciera recently started overheating, on the way from work. I immediately, checked coolant levels and realized that my radiator was leaking. The source of the leak was a missing radiator drain plug, I replaced the plug and added new coolant. The cars temp stays stable for a while and then the needle shoots up all the way to the red zone. I then changed my thermostat and the problem seemed to be gone for a while. Then while driving I noticed a rattling sound, i assumed the impellar in my water pump had gone bad. Now I have replaced my water pump, the noise is gone but the car is still overheating. After driving I hear a gurgling sound, I have checked all houses and can find no leaks. I removed and checked radiator...I also have noticed that my heater doesn't work. Could it be my heater core? When idling (at normal temp) I can see a bit of smoke comming from somewhere under my exaust manifold...please help I can't figure this out...
Apr 7, 2008 at 10:07 AM
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RASMATAZ
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Could it be my heater core? No its got nothing to with the overheating-Do below

Have it block and pressure tested-do the block first to pinpoint a combustion leaking into the cooling system or a gas analyzer to sniff for hydrocarbons at the radiator fill neck.

Pressure test: do not do a pressure test if there's leakage at the headgasket this might cause coolant into the cylinders and lock it up or bend a connecting rod if cranked thereafter. The headgasket should be repaired before doing the pressure test.

If the block and pressure test passes check the following: Thermostat,Pressure test the Rad. cap,Clogged radiator,Fan clutch,Radiator electrical fan,collaspe hoses,water pump.
Apr 7, 2008 at 10:13 AM
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TOGMIT
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[quote:feb6a6696a="rasmataz"]Could it be my heater core? No its got nothing to with the overheating-Do below

Have it block and pressure tested-do the block first to pinpoint a combustion leaking into the cooling system or a gas analyzer to sniff for hydrocarbons at the radiator fill neck.

Pressure test: do not do a pressure test if there's leakage at the headgasket this might cause coolant into the cylinders and lock it up or bend a connecting rod if cranked thereafter. The headgasket should be repaired before doing the pressure test.

If the block and pressure test passes check the following: Thermostat,Pressure test the Rad. cap,Clogged radiator,Fan clutch,Radiator electrical fan,collaspe hoses,water pump.[/quote:feb6a6696a]

I have already changed the thermostat, waterpump, the electric fan works. I am going to replace the radiator cap. My hoses are fine no leaks...
Apr 7, 2008 at 12:12 PM
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