Running Hot burning coolant

OPIEJR97

MEMBER
CHEVROLET

For the past month or so, My car is running hotter then normally but mostly when idling. I have replace about a jug and a half of coolant in the last 3 weeks. My check engine light came on around the same time. My motor oil is not milky, and there isn't any white smoke coming from the tailpipe. I do occassionally smell coolant burning. Any ideas what this could be? And what would be the easiest way to find out what this is.

Friday, December 1st, 2006 AT 10:11 AM

2 Replies

SLP10

MEMBER
1 POST

Sounds like a blown head gasket. Pull your plugs and see if one of them appears dark from burning the antifreeze.

Good luck

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Sunday, December 3rd, 2006 AT 6:59 PM

HYKNRD

MEMBER
59 POSTS

Not sure of easiest way to check. Would look for external coolant leaks first around hoses, radiator, water pump, overflow, etc. May show up as white deposits around leaky area. Also mixture needs to be close to 50/50 ratio, half water, half antifreeze. Higher percentages of either will make your car run hotter.
Check to see if your fan is working at right temperature or at all. Also check the trouble codes if you can, may lead you in the right direction.
Hope that helps.

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Monday, December 4th, 2006 AT 4:07 PM