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1997 Pontiac Grand Prix Overheating

Tiny
RUSTIE317
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
Engine Cooling problem
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

The engine was overheating and the radiator was cold. I replaced the thermostat and refilled the radiator and overflow but it is still overheating. I'm thinking that a resulting low coolant level in the engine may be preventing the thermostat from opening. Is this a possible cause?
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Friday, April 23rd, 2010 AT 10:01 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
INTERNETMECHANIC
  • MECHANIC
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I'd have to use a non-contact thermometer, to see if engine temp is close to the gage reading. Are there any over-heating issues besides the temp gage reading? Overheating is usually a boil-over, the pressure will pop the radiator cap and the overflow bottle, where applicable, will fill up in a hurry. Any applicable trouble codes? Did you check for coolant flow through the radiator, where possible?
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Friday, April 23rd, 2010 AT 12:23 PM
Tiny
RUSTIE317
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Engine is very hot, top hose is very hot.
Should I check water pump b4 radiator flow?
What about air pockets in the engine?
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Friday, April 23rd, 2010 AT 1:58 PM
Tiny
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I'd leave the thermostat out, hook everything up for testing. The flow through the radiator is instant, without thermostat. If the engine is too hot, the fan should be running like crazy. I guess I'd have to look at it.
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Friday, April 23rd, 2010 AT 3:19 PM
Tiny
RUSTIE317
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  • 5 POSTS
Replaced the water pump and completely filled system. Radiator was hot, had heat in the car for a while, but temperature fluctuated and so did heat for about five minutes then overheated again. No it won't even start.
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Friday, April 23rd, 2010 AT 6:14 PM
Tiny
RUSTIE317
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After cool down. Don't know if its related, but cuts out at about 4k rpm. I'll take it in
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Friday, April 23rd, 2010 AT 6:51 PM
Tiny
RUSTIE317
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After a flush, the system ran great. Kept constant temp around 190. Good circulation, good heat in the car. Soon after it overheated again. I can't seem to keep coolant in it but cannot see a leak. Could it possibly be I'm burning it?
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Sunday, April 25th, 2010 AT 2:38 PM

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