1992 Chevy S-10 overheating

TREASURE_GOAT

MEMBER
1992 CHEVROLET S-10
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
191,000 MILES

I have a 1992 Chevy S10 truck with alot of miles. It runs pretty good, but lately, going up hills it spits and sputters and the exhaust sometimes backfires. It probably could use a tune up and I thought possibly a new catalytic converter, but I really don't have that kind of money to be putting into this truck. I've heard you had drill holes into the catalytic converter, but is this possible and how would you do this, emmissions aren't a worry. Also, the thermostat gauge has been moving up and down, to overheating temperatures, BUT HAS NOT YET OVERHEATED. Other then the check guages sensors comes on and the themostat moves very rapidly back and forth from low operating temperatures to very high(overheating temperatures), the vehicle doen't show any other signs of overheating, maybe a slight smell of antifreeze. Antifreeze level in resoirver and radiator appear normal, fan appears to work correctly, radiator cap appears to be sealed properly. If I have some time, should I replace the theromostat. It's been very, very cold lately. Maybe these problems have been due to the cold. Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreiated, I'd really like to keep this so far dependable truck. Thanks

2 Replies

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

Withit getting colder out the best thing is to have it flushed then the thermastat changed. Make sure you have the right protection so it will not freeze with the cold weather. With reference to it sputtering and backfiring I would start with, trying some gas line anti freeze, it gets rid of moisture the tank may have in it. If that does not work try changing the fuel filter. It is on the drivers side, before the rear wheel mounted on the frame. There may be other things like electrical connections but I would start with these.