At that time, I pulled over, let the car cool down, took off the radiator cap, and when I put it back on and kept driving, the temperature gauge did not fluctuate anymore, but the heater did not work at that time either.   I assumed that the car had some kind of air bubble and just needed to "burp", for lack of a nicer term.  It kind of got to the point where everything was okay, it was running a little warmer than I liked but the heater was working, but then the latest round of problems started.  After the latest repair, I tried taking the cap off again and letting it "burp", but the problem isn't improving.  My mechanic went ahead and put in a new thermostat. Could the problem involve the head gasket and/or damage to that part, or do you think it could be something else?  I have been told by a couple of mechanics now that Sunbirds the age of mine had trouble with faulty gaskets or something to that effect.  Is this the case?  Also, do you have a very rough, ballpark idea about what repair might run?  I have already had approximately 3-4 repairs of a different nature for this problem, and I am in such a bad position, because while I can't afford to keep putting money into this car, I can't afford to buy another one either.  I appreciate your help very much!

Answer: Check for a blown head gasket, pressure test the cooling system for any leaks and flow check the radiator, as it may need to be replaced.

Question: 1998 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 V-8 mileage: 60,000.  I'm getting a low engine coolant light on my dash lighting up. I've followed the directions to put coolant in.  Bled the two valves etc, poured in coolant, ran the engine, etc.  But I'm still getting the low light on in the dash.  The radiator is filled to the brim.  Maybe I'm not bleeding the valves correctly.  I don't see a leak; the car is clean underneath.  Is there something special to do to add coolant in a Z-28?  Thanks

Answer: It sounds like you have properly refilled your cooling system.  A faulty coolant level sensor may cause the problem you have with the warning light being on.

Question: 2003 Toyota Camry CE mileage: 39,000.  I cannot find the stopcock to drain the coolant from the radiator.  Where is it?  I have looked everywhere!

Answer:   It should be located on the bottom of the radiator tank.  It may be easier for you to drain your cooling system by removing the bottom radiator hose from the radiator.

Question: 2003 Toyota mileage: 20,000.  Is it necessary to flush the radiator if there have been no signs of overheating or other problem?  If so, how often?   Does the anti-freeze lose its properties over time? 

Answer:   Yes, it is a good practice to flush the cooling system every two years.  Coolant does lose its properties over time.  Preventative maintenance is good practice.

Question: 2004 Ford Focus mileage: 70,000. I noticed one day that I had a radiator leak, which was promptly sealed.  Two days later, the engine heated up causing vapor.  Thermostat and radiator fan, thermo sensor exchanged.  Thermostat was stuck and the sensor did not activate the fan.  I have a smoke problem now.  The engine needs to be hot for the smoke to show itself.  It appears from under the hood on the driver's side, when I stop at a traffic light, Lasts about 10 seconds and everything is back to normal (no smoke at all).  I have tried looking under the hood immediately to see where it came from, but it's quite difficult Because the fan is blowing all the time dispersing the smoke all over the place. The smoke (looks like smoke) smells a bit acrid.  Checked for any electric problem, none.  I thought it might be an exhaust problem, so I stopped the car and covered the tailpipe with my shoe for a couple of seconds, which resulted in smoke from under the hood and disappeared 10 seconds afterwards (tried twice. with the same result).  The problem is getting on my nerves, so if you have any tip/advice I look forward to hearing from you.  Many thanks in advance.

Answer:  Without actually “seeing” your vehicle and driving it, it is difficult to diagnose the problem.  We are guessing at the smoke may be hot coolant leaking, turning to steam.  What did you use to “seal” the radiator?  It may have plugged up the coolant passages in the engine causing more overheating.  A radiator service center should be able to check it out and recommend repairs.

Question: 2002 Oldsmobile Alero mileage: 70,000. Removed radiator cap and found oil mixed in the water inside the radiator, I suspect a blown head gasket, what do you think?

Answer: That is a possibility but if your car is equipped with an automatic transmission, the transmission cooler in the radiator may have failed. That is a more likely cause of your problem.

Question: 2001 Honda Accord, miles 84,000. I noticed a small crack near the top of my radiator where radiator fluid has been slowly leaking out for the last two months. The car has not ever had a problem with overheating since I have owned it. Is there some way to seal it or does the radiator need to be replaced. What can cause a crack to happen and what is a reasonable price for repair?

Answer: The radiator needs to be replaced. The tank is plastic and they do crack due to stress and vibration. Replace the whole new radiator to avoid further repairs on the same radiator. 

Question: 1999 Pontiac Grand Am, miles 67,000 that overheats when driving slow or sitting at a stoplight, yet temp gauge is cool when driving 60+. It has the quad 4 engine. Since January different mechanics have replaced three thermostats, two radiator caps, flushed radiator and put new tanks on the side of radiator, and the timing chain. We are at a loss. Every time we take it to a repair shop, and explain what we have done to it, they assure us they can find the problem and lo and behold, we pick up the car to find another new thermostat put in. No one is solving this problem. I am wondering if it is a cracked head gasket or heater core--but my main concern is how do I get a mechanic to find out what is wrong so we can fix it. I would be thrilled to have an honest answer. Thanks in advance.

Answer: You could have a cracked head or blown head gasket. Your car is equipped with an electric radiator fan. A sensor on the motor and a relay controls it. One or both may have failed. With the car parked and the engine idling, the fan should cycle on and off as the engine temperature rises. (Keep fingers clear.) Another possibility is the water pump. We have seen the veins on the impeller rot off. This causes very low coolant circulation at low speed.

Question: I have a 1999 Lincoln Continental with 85,000 miles on it. Occasionally I will find some coolant under the car; it does not leak a lot. I checked all hoses, water pump and radiator but could not find any leak but I do see the timing chain cover is wet. Can you help me to solve this problem?

Answer: A leaking intake manifold gasket or timing chain cover gasket may be causing your coolant problem. Occasionally the chain cover corrodes and leaks.