Overheating issues

ROSAF27

MEMBER
2000 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE
3.5L
V6
FWD
AUTOMATIC
163,000 MILES

My car has started to overheat. We changed the water pump, flushed the radiator, and put in leak stop cause there were some leaks, none of the hoses collapse and there are no cracked hoses or leaks in them. When I am driving the car stays at normal to a little hot but when I am idling the car starts to jump up in temperature. But then I start driving again and it slowly cools back down. The fans are working but not sure if the second speed of the fans stay on or is working. They are only on when I park the car and turn off the engine. What could be causing the car to overheat? I don't want to take it into a shop to pay all this money if it could be as simple as a sensor was bad on the fans.

Monday, May 11th, 2015 AT 12:46 PM

2 Replies

RIVERMIKERAT

MECHANIC
6,110 POSTS

That's a good question. I had a similar problem with my van until I sold it.

Check the thermostat. Open the radiator cap and start the engine, allowing it to warm up. Look in the radiator. You should see the coolant moving. If that looks good, it might be a blown head gasket. With the engine running, place a balloon or plastic bag over the radiator opening and ensure it seals. The balloon or bag should fill with air very very extremely slowly. If fills fast, you've got a blown head gasket.

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Monday, May 11th, 2015 AT 2:52 PM

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

The issue sounds like a fan issue. It is possible they are not working the high speed when it is needed.
Also check to see if there are any damages to any of the fan blades.
Damaged blade will make the fan inefficient in circulation air.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-an-electric-cooling-fan-works
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-electric-fan-motor

I have attached the fan diagnostics as well as replacement procedure below.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.

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