1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse car overheats

MOMAN555

MEMBER
1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
124,000 MILES

My car overheats. The car starts out normal and eventually heats up so the gauge starts to slightly increase but then the fan turns on and it goes back down to the normal. Eventually the fan turns off and the needle starts rising again and then the fan turns on. But slowly it doesn't stay at the middle anymore, it gets elevated to the top. I dont know what the problem is. Radiator, water pump, or heater core. Can you help?Thank you

Thursday, April 15th, 2010 AT 6:10 PM

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi moman555,

Did you check the coolant level in the radiator?

Symptoms indicates possible coolant shortage.

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Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 AT 10:15 AM

MOMAN555

MEMBER
2 POSTS

It was low before and it just overheated no going up and down. Then when I added water, it started going up and down. So maybe there is a leak somewhere. But what parts of the system could be leaking?I know the radiator can be but what about the water pump.I think the hoses are fine?But the water pump?Thank you.

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Thursday, April 22nd, 2010 AT 10:54 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

When coolant level drops, topping up is not sufficient. You need to let it run for a while with the radiator cap off to bleed the system and keep topping up till the level maintains.

When minor leaks occurs, it seldom are the hoses. It could be joints, water pump etc. A pressure test would enable you to locate the source of the leak.

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Thursday, April 22nd, 2010 AT 11:01 AM