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Car Cooling System Questions and Answers - This category
contains featured questions as examples. They relate to most vehicles.
Question: 1989 Lincoln Town Car mileage: 125,000 miles. We have
recently replaced the radiator, water pump and various hoses in my car because of
an overheating problem. Now it will go for a few days without a problem, then
my heater will start blowing cold air. The overflow is full of antifreeze.
Once we drain this out, and put back into the radiator, everything runs smooth again
for a few more days. Why is it doing this? It is not losing any fluid as the amount
drained from the overflow fills the radiator again.
Answer: The cooling system in your car should automatically pull the coolant
into the radiator as the engine cools. You possibly have a faulty or incorrect
radiator cap or you may have a small leak somewhere in the cooling system allowing
air back into the cooling system as the engine cools off. The cooling system
must be air-tight in order to pull the coolant out of the overflow reservoir.
Question: 1989 Toyota Tercel - Mileage: 80,000. How can I replace the
lower bowl (radiator tank) on my radiator? Is there a special crimping tool?
Answer: Yes, there is a special crimping tool to replace the radiator
tank, but it is not a job for an inexperienced person to try. In view of the fact
that your car is 14 years old, we high recommend you replace the entire radiator.
A new radiator would be cheaper that the special tool.
Question: 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix with 23,000 miles. I have had a mechanic
tell me that the intake manifold gasket has a history of failure and that my car
is starting to show signs of the gasket failing due to white dust found on the manifold.
I had another mechanic tell me that it was due to the orange antifreeze and if I
do a complete flush and use the green antifreeze that the problem may not get worse
because it is the orange antifreeze that is causing the problem (deteriorating the
gasket). What do you think? I would like to get high miles out of this car (200,000)
but if this is going to be a recurring problem, I need to think about replacing
the car.
Answer: We have seen similar problems with cars that use the orange anti-freeze
(coolant). To correct the problem, switch to green anti-freeze after flushing the
system.
Question: 1989 KIA Sportage mileage: 42,000. The car has never heated
up properly. I smelled coolant inside the vehicle. I checked coolant levels at the
reservoir and radiator and added coolant to fill it up. I did not find coolant on
the floor. When I took the car in for repair they changed the radiator. However,
it is still doing the same thing. Because I live in Florida I never use the heater.
But I do use the air-conditioner. The mechanics do not know what it is. I think
it might be a leak at one of the hoses. What do you think?
Answer: You have a heater core leak.
Question: 2003 Mercedes C230 mileage: 59,000. The normal temperature of
my car is about 80 - 90 degrees. When I use the air-condition system and especially
when I am in the middle of a traffic jam the temperature rises a bit higher (95
-100 deg). Is this normal? Some told me it is normal, some told me I need to change
the thermostat (I live in Cyprus and it is really hot in the summer), and some told
me there might be a problem with the cooling system. What's your opinion?
Answer: The temperature fluctuations that you describe while driving in
traffic are normal. Your car is at an age where it would be a good idea to have
the cooling system serviced, flushing the radiator, replacing the thermostat and
adding new coolant.
Question: 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 V8 mileage: 60,000. I'm not a mechanic so
don't think I'm stupid but, I was attempting to flush the radiator and searched
for the drain plug and have been unable to locate it. I don't suppose you could
tell me whereabouts to look? I would have thought it would be on the underside of
the radiator.
Answer: If you are unable to find a drain plug (you may not have one)
remove the lower radiator hose to drain the system. Do not do this with the engine
hot as you could get scalded.
Question: 1989 Ford F-150 Pickup 5.8 mileage: 45,000. Why would my radiator
water always be foamy like soap? What's the cause of this? And is there a fix? Water
is clear clean coolant green. Foam is clear clean white. I notice no leaks. However,
I am always having to add water to the radiator. Much steam from rear tail pip in
the mornings. I have been smelling the radiator water. Sometimes I think it smells
like maple if that makes any sense.
Answer: It sounds like a cracked and or a blown head gasket is causing
the problem you described.
Question: 1989 Chrysler Lebaron mileage: 107,000 km. I just bought this
car from an older couple it looked great and ran great. Until my seventeen year
old son overheated it. When we bought it, the guy said that there was a leak in
the cooling system that he could not find. Well I found it! It is coming from the
head gasket into the # 1 cylinder. No antifreeze has gotten in the oil so do you
think that just changing the head gasket will solve the problem? Any help or tips
would be great.
Answer: In addition to replacing the head gasket, we would recommend resurfacing
the cylinder head and checking it for cracks.
Question: 1989 Ford Tempo mileage: 65,000. My daughter has a 1999 ford
tempo that she has been driving for about 4 years. She is very conscientious in
regularly changing oil, and routinely having it inspected by a mechanic. She bought
the car used, with about 50,000 miles on it. Recently, she has had a situation where
her antifreeze becomes brown - at times like mud. She has regularly, especially
before winter, had the system completely flushed and new antifreeze added. However,
at regular intervals, usually every oil change around 3,000 miles, it is again filthy
brown. Our mechanic states that it is rust and corrosion from the inside of the
radiator, but when I asked him if he advised replacing the radiator, he said he
did not feel that would help or solve the problem.
He feels the motor - block, valves, etc. are sources for "crud" that ultimately
makes its way through the cooling system and creates the filth in the radiator.
He suggested that the only way to completely eliminate the problem was to tear down
the motor and clean up the source of the dirt and matter. This is not advisable
based on the age of the car and the costs associated with doing this type of major
cleaning. He also said that he has seen cars with similar dirty radiator coolants
run and last for years - provided of course the radiator is periodically checked
and back flushed with new antifreeze added. Any opinion on this recurring problem
and the advise of my mechanic. My daughters many miles away at school and I am naturally
concerned especially when she has a 3 hour plus drive home alone when she visits
during the holidays and breaks. Joe
Answer: Some engines cause the coolant to become brown and muddy like
you described and some don't. We believe when Ford cast their block, they used an
additive in the cast iron that reacts with the coolant to causes it appear brown
and muddy. Although the color does not look good, as long as the radiator stays
open and cools the engine properly, the coolant is doing its job. Coolant normally
should be changed every two to three years.
Question: 2002 Chevy Trailer Blazer LT mileage: 44,700. I purchased this
truck with 38,000 miles on it a couple of months ago. I took it in for an oil change
and the mechanic came out of the shop and wanted to show me something. There was
a huge amount of orangish/brown gunk - kind of, like sandy clay stuck to the inside
of the radiator cap and all down in the radiator. He suggested that there might
be a serious problem with the engine and that it might be all through the cooling
system. He said to take it back to the dealership and have them look at it before
doing anything else. Has anyone ever seen this before? They also checked the transmission
fluid and it smelled burnt and there were some flakes in it (they think might be
paint and suggested sanding off the paint on the stick and then oiling it and putting
it back in) but put the particles in an envelope for me to take to the dealership.
I'm worried!) Joe
Answer: The "gunk" you found in the radiator is possibly the result of
not changing the coolant in the cooling system often enough (every two years.) A
thorough flushing of the radiator and engine and refilling with fresh coolant should
fix your problem. As far as your transmission is concerned, we would suggest changing
the fluid and filter and observing it over the next several months for proper operation.
If you continue to have problems, you could be in for serious transmission repairs.
Question: 1999 Mitsubishi Galant mileage: 63,000. I noticed a leak under
my car the other day, and it was green. I know it was the coolant. So, I checked
the coolant bottle and it was bone dry. I filled it to the line, then I drove it
around the block and the heat gauge started to go up. I took it to the mechanic
the next day and he said the water pump needs to be replaced. The coolant bottle
was COMPLETELY empty again. Does this sound right? And if it is the water pump,
he said it's a good idea to change the timing belt as well. My big question how
much is all this going to cost?
Answer: The coolant bottle is a coolant overflow tank. Refilling the overflow
tank does not necessarily refill the entire cooling system. To refill the cooling
system, the radiator cap must be removed and coolant added. This must be done with
the engine cold. Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot or you will
be scalded. There is a very good chance that the water pump leaked most of the coolant
out of the system. With 63,000 miles, it is a good idea to do the timing belt with
the water pump. As far as cost, check reputable service centers in your area and
compare costs.
Question: 2002 Chevy Tahoe mileage: 57,000. I have water dumping out of
the bottom of my truck. It is coming out of the back part of the engine as I can
tell. I thought the water pump was located at the front. I had someone tell me that
it was an intake gasket. But, I was told that those don't leak very much water out.
As soon as I stop it pours out. I know this will be hard to diagnose over the email
but your advice will be greatly appreciated.
Answer: We have experienced similar coolant leaks coming from a heater
fitting on the front of the motor.
Question: 1999 GMC Jimmy 4 WD mileage: 70,000. In the overflow tank for
the radiator I discovered that the antifreeze appeared black in color. It had the
consistency of a black mud. This cooling system has been flushed three times by
the car dealer, first telling me that I should not drive it and now they say that
it's OK to drive. They changed the overflow tank for the radiator also. They also
tell me that they checked for a head gasket leak or any other kind of oil leak but
found nothing. I don't think they have a clue, would you have any idea on the problem
or where to start to look?
Answer: If your truck is equipped with an engine oil cooler, it may be
leaking internally into the radiator. Also, check the transmission fluid cooler
as it may also be leaking.
Question: 1989 Oldsmobile Aurora 4.0 V8 Northstar mileage: 66,000. I am
in the process of changing the water pump and came to a halt. I am trying to take
the water pump off but it won't come off. There are prongs on the pump that you
have to grasp in order to remove the it, but I can't turn the pump. Is there a special
tool you need to get the pump off? I just need to unscrew it so I can replace it
with a new one.
Answer: Yes, you need a special tool to get the water pump off. It should
be available at most parts houses.
Question: 1989 Subaru Legacy mileage: 70,000. My car makes annoying water
bubbling/flowing noises under the dash when throttling up or down (especially after
idle). I suspect that it needs to be bled correctly - however I've tried removing
the bleed screw, and then filling, with no success... Is there something I've missed
or some trick to this model? I've taken the car to 4 Mechanics (1 was a Subaru agent)
- all have failed.
Answer: It sounds like your water pump may be pulling air in at higher
rpm. A new water pump should solve your problem.
Question: 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis mileage: 48,000.
When replacing the engine coolant as suggested by the owners manual at 48000 miles,
I simply drain the old coolant from the bottom plug from the radiator then add new
coolant into radiator. How much coolant and how much water should I add?
Answer: The coolant to water ratio should be a mixture of
50% coolant and 50% water.
Question: 1989 Ford Focus mileage: 90,000. This has been a nightmare,
I would appreciate any feedback you can give. My car has a white smoke/steam that
comes out of the radiator. The temperature doesn't go up. The water
level in the radiator seems fine. I have added coolant. I took it in
to a mechanic b/c it appeared I needed a new upper and lower radiator hose.
They told me they thought I also should get a new thermostat/gasket as well.
They also recommended spending $700+ on a new water pump that they thought might
be clogged. Well, I couldn't afford that so I had them do everything but the
water pump. As I drove home from the shop, the car smoked again. Any
suggestions? Should a water pump cost that much? I am taking it to a
new mechanic tomorrow and would like any heads up you can give. Thank you.
Answer: The smoke-steam that is coming from your radiator would indicate
a leak in the cooling system. The system should be pressure checked and inspected
for leaks. Replace or repair what ever is causing the leak. This is
very basic. To replace the water pump because someone thought it might be
clogged does not sound very logical to us. Obviously if the water pump
is leaking, it should be replaced.
Question: 1988 Dodge Caravan mileage: 84,000. After finally getting
my car home while it was running hot, I had a now ex-mechanic tell me that I had
a cracked engine gasket. He told me that I would need to get that fixed along
with replacing my radiator because it too had failed. Have you heard
of a 'cracked engine gasket' before and if so, how does it affect my radiator?
Answer: The “cracked head gasket” is probably a blown head gasket or possibly
a cracked head; the result of the engine being severely overheated.
The radiator is probably the cause of the overheating.
Question: 2003 Acura MDX miles, 56,000. I recently had a water pump
and a radiator installed. The temperature gauge is dropping down into the
cold area. I have heard of the temperature gauge rising but never dropping.
What would be the problem?
Answer: With a new radiator, there is a good chance your car will run
cooler, especially if the old radiator was plugged. If it running colder than
normal, the thermostat may need to be replaced.
Question: 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier mileage: 80,000. Changed the thermostat
and antifreeze. When the engine warms up some antifreeze goes into the reserve
tank, but does not return to the radiator causing the low coolant light to go on
the next time I start it.
Answer: The coolant will not return to the radiator from the
reservoir if the radiator cap is faulty or if you have a small leak in your cooling
system. As the cooling system cools down, a vacuum is formed and pulls the
coolant out of the reservoir into the radiator. If there is a small leak,
no vacuum is formed and the coolant will not transfer over and fill the radiator.
MORE: Cooling system questions
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