Anti-freeze/Coolant Problem!

cjman15

Banned

Apr 15, 2004

1,009

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0

Fairfield, PA

Apr 25, 2004

#1

• Apr 25, 2004

• #1

Today after driving home on the highway for around 20 minutes, I pulled up to my driveway and I look under my engine and the coolant is just pouring out onto the pavement. I ran to get a pan to catch some of it. When I come back, I popped the hood and check to see what happened. It appears that the coolant got so hot it got expelled out the overflow at the top of the reservoir. My car is a 4-speed auto, so the entire trip on the highway I was taching around 2500rpm... but my temp guage was reading normal the entire time, even before pulling into my driveway.

Anyone know what could have caused this???

 

bhuff30

Founding Member

Dec 11, 2001

6,037

35

129

Olathe KS

Apr 25, 2004

#2

• Apr 25, 2004

• #2

it is wired that you say the temp was normal the whole time.
Make sure your cooling system is pressurizing. If it doesn't get pressurized, it could cause that.

 

blkstangman88

New Member

Apr 6, 2004

646

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Apr 25, 2004

#3

• Apr 25, 2004

• #3

my car did it after a long trip from AZ to WA, but that was just an over heating problem that was easily fixed. urs, cant think of anything right now, expecaly for just 20 min of driving.

 

B

blk92stangg

New Member

Jan 30, 2004

583

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Hawaii

Apr 26, 2004

#4

• Apr 26, 2004

• #4

Maybe your cap is no good. Like was mentioned, if the system doesn't pressurize, the boiling point will be much lower, to the point it could boil over at a much lower temperature.

 

9

91_4ourBanger

New Member

Feb 8, 2004

255

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0

Apr 26, 2004

#5

• Apr 26, 2004

• #5

im having the same exact problem with my 4 banger, could it possibly be the radiator cap?i also have almost no coolant in my reservior now

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

31,179

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129

Apr 26, 2004

#6

• Apr 26, 2004

• #6

swap the cap

 

cjman15

Banned

Apr 15, 2004

1,009

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0

Fairfield, PA

Apr 26, 2004

#7

• Apr 26, 2004

• #7

Thanks for the input, i'll be sure to check it out... could it possibly be the thermostat malfunctioning?

 

legomaniac32

New Member

Feb 18, 2004

75

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Moncton NB Canada

Apr 26, 2004

#8

• Apr 26, 2004

• #8

i would go with the cap..most garages have a tester to check if it is holding pressure, and i think its free to test. caps arent that expensive. they really should be changed after you flush your coolant.

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

31,179

33

129

Apr 26, 2004

#9

• Apr 26, 2004

• #9

when the motor is reading hot (i.e. 180 or above if you have a 180 stat, 195 if you have a stock stat, etc), squeeze the upper radiator hose. if it is firm, the stat is at least partially open (be careful and all; the hose is HOT).

you could also take the cap off (cold motor), and start the car. let it warm up. the coolant in the rad will be mostly stagnant until the stat starts to open. then you should see coolant flow from pass side toward the driver side (lookin through the rad cap hole). if it does not ever flow or the level does not move, that suggests a stuck stat.
if i did not mention it before, i really like the Mr. Gasket stats. balanced, opens fully sooner than others, and has a bleed hole. 10 bucks at the speed shop. good luck.

PS. the way i look at a cap - if i dont remember the last time i replaced it, i do it (preventatively). a messed up one can mess with you. good luck.