Friend of mine has a 97 cavalier 2.2 auto. It has always ran hot on her and the collant jug is always boiling over but she just drives it. She finally killed the motor, timing chain was screwed and the lifters where junk so it made all kinds of noise. I put a new motor in it for her and its still running hot. It dosent ever go into the red on the stock gauge but it is always just before it.
I was thinking head gasket before but i just put a new one in the new motor so it should be fine. Also if it was a head gasket it would go all the way into the red and overheat wouldnt it? My only guess is the rad could be plugged up, but i dont really want to get into changing that unless i know for sure thats what it is. Any ideas?
thanks
With a blown head gasket..it won't always peg out. I drove a 89 Dodge Dynasty for a year with a blown head gasket...just had to take it easy.
I would think in your case it is a plugged up radiator. Maybe try a real good flush before replacing it.
Aaron
97 Cavalier Z24 @ 85k
00 Cavalier Base Coupe @ 152k...rollin on 14's!
97 Grand Cherokee 5.2L@ 260k
i agree with him try a radiator flush and see where that leave you...tried a new thermostat? Does the fun work ok? i had a motor built and it always ran a little hot so i put two electric aftermaket fans 12'' on and an oil cooler now the needle never goes past running temp. that might not be a bad idea man.
I used to have a problem with my jug always boiling over. All I had was a faulty cap. Try replacing the cap on the jug and see if maybe that helps? It solved my problem!
Cavalier z24......A poor man's Camaro....close enough, right?
Its amazing how it can be something so small causing such a problem. Just hit up your local junk yard and look for a few caps... You have you figure if the jug is boiling there has to be air getting in somewhere in order for it to boil and its a "sealed system" so I still think that is a good starting point.
Cavalier z24......A poor man's Camaro....close enough, right?
HaVoC187 wrote:Its amazing how it can be something so small causing such a problem. Just hit up your local junk yard and look for a few caps... You have you figure if the jug is boiling there has to be air getting in somewhere in order for it to boil and its a "sealed system" so I still think that is a good starting point.
a rad. cap will cost all of 5 dollars brand new. no sense in picking a used one that may or may not be bad.
87 Firebird
All stock...........lol.
Why spend 5 bucks when you can get like 10 of em for free??? The ecnomy is bad!!! hehehehehehe
Cavalier z24......A poor man's Camaro....close enough, right?
Rich Grayo Jr. wrote:HaVoC187 wrote:I used to have a problem with my jug always boiling over. All I had was a faulty cap. Try replacing the cap on the jug and see if maybe that helps? It solved my problem!
this.
x3. I got mine at the dealership and noticed that it was 18 psi instead of the original 15psi that was on it. It hasn't overflowed since.
2.2 97 Cavalier......the "Crapalier"
HaVoC187 wrote:Why spend 5 bucks when you can get like 10 of em for free??? The ecnomy is bad!!! hehehehehehe
if you cant afford $5 for a new part, sell your car and get a bus pass.
JBO Stickers! Get yours today!
Sorry we arent all blessed with rich mommies and daddies...you snob...its called a joke....find a sense of humor.
Cavalier z24......A poor man's Camaro....close enough, right?
HaVoC187 wrote:Sorry we arent all blessed with rich mommies and daddies...you snob...its called a joke....find a sense of humor.
hope that wasnt directed at me. seriously. rich mommies and daddies? my mother died 6 years ago, and i have not gotten a dime from my father since my freshman year high school. both of my cars are paid for out of my pocket, and i don't owe a cent on them. nice try though, please pull through.
JBO Stickers! Get yours today!
One has to be smart when considering Junk Yard parts.
"Hmmmm my 15 year old radiator cap is bad, I know! I'll take that used one off of a 14 year old car!! That'll fix it for sure!!!"
Ah.......no.
Junk is often just that, junk.
Why risk overheating and destroying your engine or head over a $5 part??? Hmmmm you've saved five bucks, a reman head will be at least $300 or more plus related parts... Great deal you got on that radiator cap!
I'd no more take a used radiator cap than I would a used Headlight bulb! Really, think about it, unless you LIKE replacing light bulbs every 6 weeks it is hardly worth the effort. Whenever I get a used car I take out ALL of the old bulbs and put in new ones, including the dash cluster and controls. This gives me a base line for future use, I now know they all work (avoiding tickets) and if there is a problem I can fix it now instead of later when I don't have the time and need to drive the car. If you want my old bulbs I'll send them to you FOB. I'm about to do this to a 95 Sunfire.
The Old British saying rings so true even in today's modern society.......... Penny wise, Pound Foolish.
Dave
