Engine shutting off and overheating?

2006 DODGE STRATUS
180,000 MILES • AUTOMATIC
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DARITEW
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Okay, so my car is overheating on the passenger side white smoke, and I just replaced the water pump timing belt with a pulley and the head gasket. And my car is still shutting off and overheating. My chemical says my radiator fan and my thermostat are fine. Can someone please tell me what is wrong with my car? I need my car to survive basically.
Sep 3, 2022 at 4:41 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
Hi,

Does this happen at highway speed, or does it seem to happen when you are in stop-and-go traffic?

If it happens in stop-and-go traffic, pay attention to see if the cooling fan is turning on.

Let me know as much as you can. Anything you can think of that could help me diagnose the issue will be helpful.

Also, let me know how long it takes for it to overheat, if the thermostat has been replaced, and if the radiator has been flushed.

Take care,

Joe
Sep 3, 2022 at 11:23 PM
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DARITEW
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
It happens in stop and go traffic. My mechanic said my radiator fan was okay and he said my thermostat is okay, but he hasn’t flushed my radiator.
Sep 4, 2022 at 5:01 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
Hi,

If it only happens in stop and go traffic, most commonly the radiator fan isn't working. At highway speeds, there is enough airflow to prevent it from overheating. When stopped, the fan is what draws the air through the radiator.

Pay attention if you hear it once the engine gets warmer than expected. You should be able to hear it.

Let me know.

Joe
Sep 4, 2022 at 7:12 PM