Won't start, pressure built up in radiator.

Tiny
PEANUTS54
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
  • 13,000 MILES
The car will run great for a month or two then will not start and it has built up pressure in the radiator. Let the car sit for a day or two after removing the radiator cap, yes after it has cooled off. Then the car will run great again for another month or so. What may be the cause of this?
Tuesday, September 18th, 2012 AT 3:28 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Do you have coolant losses or overheating issues?
When pressure builds up, does the coolant level in radiator drop?
Have you checked for trouble codes?
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Tuesday, September 18th, 2012 AT 4:08 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
If there was too much pressure in the radiator it would pop the cap and the reservoir would fill up. When the problem occurs, if it cranks good but won't start, have a helper crank it while you check for spark at the plugs. If spark everywhere, use a gage and check fuel pressure.
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Tuesday, September 18th, 2012 AT 4:15 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Hey khlow, no answer there when I started typing. Have a good day.
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Tuesday, September 18th, 2012 AT 4:17 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
No problem. The more the merrier, JDL.

Same to you.
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Tuesday, September 18th, 2012 AT 5:43 PM

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