When the car is in motion it starts to overheat?

Tiny
K.KENDRICK
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I just replaced the thermostat and when the car sits idling it stays at the halfway point once my car is in motion it starts to overheat. What could be this problem?
Friday, October 13th, 2023 AT 3:34 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,262 POSTS
Hi,

Was it overheating prior to replacing the thermostat? I ask because you may have gotten air into the system which is causing a blockage. Don't laugh, but does the heater work?

On the other hand, this could be related to a faulty head gasket. Take a look through this link and let me know if anything mirrors what you are experiencing.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/recognizing-the-symptoms-understanding-a-blown-head-gasket-in-your-vehicle

Also, take a look through this link. It explains what to look for.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Let me know your thoughts.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, October 13th, 2023 AT 9:41 PM
Tiny
K.KENDRICK
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Thank you, Joe, for replying to me so quickly. There are bubbles in the coolant when I take off the radiator cap, but is that a definite blown head gasket?
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Friday, October 13th, 2023 AT 9:59 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,262 POSTS
Hi,

If the bubbles are constant, chances are there is compressed air from the combustion chamber making its way into the cooling system.

When you say bubbles, do they look like the ones in the link I sent? If they do, you should do a chemical test to see if there are exhaust fumes present. (See step 4 in the "Head Gasket Blown Test" above)

Let me know if you are comfortable performing that test. Also, if you could get a few pics of what you are seeing, it may help.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, October 13th, 2023 AT 10:11 PM
Tiny
K.KENDRICK
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hello Joe,

The bubbles are like the ones you would see in a pan of simmering water on the stove. In between a simmer and a boil.
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Saturday, October 14th, 2023 AT 12:09 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,262 POSTS
Hi,

If that is happening when the engine is cold or warm, we need to do the chemical test in the link above. It shouldn't be doing that. I suspect we have a head gasket issue.

Let me know if you are able to do the test.

Joe
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Sunday, October 15th, 2023 AT 1:26 PM

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