Engine quickly overheats

Tiny
BSHANISE93
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • 5.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 300,000 MILES
I don't know it has a brand-new thermostat, water pump and just got the heads changed, and it is still overheating. It happens really fast, can't drive it down the road without it going past 210 quickly.
Friday, July 8th, 2022 AT 10:08 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,375 POSTS
Hi,

If there is coolant in the engine, it wouldn't overheat that fast. When you say, "down the road, " how far do you mean?

Also, when this happens, do you hear the coolant boiling, or is there any steam coming from the engine? Also, with the engine cold, open the radiator and confirm it is full. I know that sounds elementary, but the reservoir may appear full, but the radiator is empty.

I want you to try one other thing. See if the heater blows hot air. Turn the heater on high as soon as you start the vehicle. See if you get heat as quickly as the temp goes up. If you get no heat, when the engine cools, check the coolant. If it is full, we have a blockage at some point, or the coolant temperature sensor is faulty.

Also, let me know if the radiator has been flushed, how far you drive for it to exceed 210F, if the heater works, and anything you can think of that may be helpful.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, July 8th, 2022 AT 8:57 PM
Tiny
BSHANISE93
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  • 4 POSTS
Yes, there is coolant and it's full when it overheats yes it boils and when I say down the road I mean like a mile or two. There is no steam coming from the engine. Yes, I also get heat when if overheats. I'm not sure if the radiator has been flushed and also when it first started overheating a mechanic put that blue devil in it twice, so I know that's not good. I can try to see if the radiator is full.
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Friday, July 8th, 2022 AT 10:34 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,375 POSTS
Hi,

When he used Blue Devil, was it for a head gasket concern? Also, take a look through this line and let me know if anything seems to mirror what you are finding.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Let me know what you find when you check the radiator.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, July 9th, 2022 AT 10:22 PM
Tiny
BSHANISE93
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  • 4 POSTS
Yes, the blue devil was for a bad head gasket, but I just got new heads put on it and now the heat blows cold air I was told the radiator is good.
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Sunday, July 10th, 2022 AT 11:48 PM
Tiny
BSHANISE93
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Also, when it gets close to 260, I can hear the fans really loud sounds like a jet or airplane about to take off, not sure if that's helpful.
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Monday, July 11th, 2022 AT 12:00 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,375 POSTS
Hi,

The jet sound is the clutch fan which at that temperature is fully engaged.

If the heads were repaired, Blue Devil was used prior, you have no heat, and the radiator is good, I suspect the cooling system is blocked in the engine, likely from the Blue Devil.

I would strongly suggest power flushing the engine block and heater core. Here is a link that explains how to flush the system:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

Let me know your thoughts.

Joe
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Monday, July 11th, 2022 AT 9:36 AM

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