1997 Oldsmobile 88 Overheating

MIKE32328

MEMBER
1997 OLDSMOBILE 88
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

1997 Olds 88, Radiator was replaced a little over 1 year ago, no problems til a few days ago, ran very hot. Replaced the thermostat and coolant, thermostat looked bad, but still ran hot with new one. Completely removed the thermostat and still get a 200+ reading. No water in oil, some white smoke from exhaust, but not much. I opened bleed valve on therostat housing to remove air, still getting 200+ reading and after about 5 miles it will red line.
Any suggestions?
Mike

3 Replies

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Hi
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Any white smoke is not good need to have coolant checked for CO. Exhaust gas is getting into coolant by failed head gasket will superheat coolant. Or you can pull plugs and pressurize system and after several hours crank over and see if coolant comes out a plug hole.

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Monday, December 15th, 2008 AT 2:32 PM

MIKE32328

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2 POSTS

Thanks,
I took the car to my local shop and they confirmed blown gasket or head. They put in a chemical which sealed the leak and they said it passed when they tested it. It ran fine for about 3 days without running hot, but now it is almost to the red line. It will sometimes go back down under 200 after a few minutes. The coolant is backing up into the plastic jug and is cool as if it is not circulating through the engine. I replaced the upper radiator hose, it seems to have improved, but still runs between 210 and 240. Maybe the bottom hose needs to be replaced?

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Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008 AT 10:12 PM

DOCFIXIT