ok, so when idling, my engine tends to get really hot (if i let it go it will overheat), but whenever i give the car gas, the temperature will slowly drop, even if im not moving. i cant find any coolant leaks, and my cooling fan works perfectly. if u guys know what the problem could be it would be really appreciated. by the way i have a 98 z24 5spd.
It is not the thermostat, because that would cool the engine down even in idle. My guess is the water pump or cylinder head. Not fun, I really hope that is not the problem only because they are both PITAs.
Sam
Ban low-performance cars, not high-performance ones.
i don't think its the water pump cuz it would be making some kind of noise and id be losing coolant, what kind of symptoms does the cylinder head have?
AFter you turn the car off, the cooling system gets hotter.
HIGH RPMs to cool down the temp with the fan on
The car overheats after 1hour of driving
Overheating in traffic
Cooling fan not cooling down the engine.
radiator and thermostat housing cold, but engine and overflow hot as hell
Oil seems higher than normal when you check it in the morning because coolant still finds its way to the oil pan
those are the symptoms of a warped cylinder head.
damn, more or less same symptoms, how big of a job is it. how much would parts and labor cost?
Ok before your convinced that your head is shot to hell... Do me a favor and replace the 4 dollar thermostat. Your car still gets cooler when you revv up the engine so there isn't a coolant leak(air bubble). If the thermostat isn't opening the water pump won't build enough pressure at idle to force enough water past it to cool the engine but when the rpm's go up the pressure does too and will get enough past to cool the engine. If you don't have any leaks or rapid loss of coolant your describing the exact signs of a bad thermostat.
You said you can't find leaks but didn't say you were constantly refilling the cooling system which you'd be doing if you had a warped head(blown head gasket).
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'96 Cavalier Good ol' Pushrod 2.2
-24X,000 miles on factory build
-Some oil loss between changes, me thinks it be rings.
YES
it is a good idea to replace or check the thermostat first.
When he removes the thermostat off the water pump housing, he can test it with 195F degree hot water.
Water boils at 150F.
if the thermostat opens, its not defected.
I always test the thermostat before installing it.
I would Test both at the same temperature and let us know the results.
damn,
This sounds like school Lab work!
do your homework!
according to my oven its 200 F cuz i know its 100 C, the oven could not be quite exact though, lol
lol, ok guys, no need for arguments over boiling points, it was a faulty thermostat, thanks guys
