Severe overheating issue

[KIDWCKED]

My old work car 96 Chrysler Intrepid seems to be having an issue.Overheating badly.I just nursed it home stopping on the side of the road to let it cool down every couple of miles.It was a long drive.I have noticed it running hotter than normal the last couple of days.Could this be a thermostat issue??And how can i check that.The coolant bottle is full when it's very hot.Thanx in advance..

[StanW]

Does sound like the thermostat - water pump isn't noisy ? Easiest way to check is by running the engine with the thermostat removed .

[KIDWCKED]

Does sound like the thermostat - water pump isn't noisy ? Easiest way to check is by running the engine with the thermostat removed .

Actually the motor sounds fine.There is only 300,000 kms on it.I am going to let it cool down and do as you suggested StanW.

[Night_Predator]

Yeah it could be the thermostat is not opening all the way and that is a good place to start. You can check it by letting the car warm up to operating temp and give it some gas while holding the hose from the thermostat housing. If you feel increase pressure then the thermostat is open. Though it may not be opening enough. Just change it out, it’s only $7 or so, and check to see if its better.

[dishuser]

Actually the motor sounds fine.There is only 300,000 kms on it.I am going to let it cool down and do as you suggested StanW.can always test thermostat in a pot of boiling water

[KIDWCKED]

can always test thermostat in a pot of boiling water

I will definately try that as well dishuser..Thanx man.

[KIDWCKED]

Well it's not the thermostat..I paid 1400 bux for it 3yrs ago..The front end is getting real tough and the car has few other minor issues.I don't want to spend any money on it really.And i got laid off on friday.I could get 300$ for scrap metal thou.My next question is the car has a recent sticker on the plate.My other car chev monte carlo ss which really dosen't suit my trade i.e black leather int.And a trunk full of 12inch subs hasn't seen to many winters is my only other option.Can i transfer the plate from the intrepid to the chev??Thanx for all your help.

[StanW]

With todays technology the last thing you want to do is transfer the plate or drive around with an expired one . More and more police cruisers are equiped with automated license plate readers linked to a pc which in turn accesess your provinces car registration database (amongst other things). If something's wrong an alarm is triggered on the cops computer.
Transfer the plate legally - they'll credit you for the unused portion of the license of the car being scrapped.

[KIDWCKED]

With todays technology the last thing you want to do is transfer the plate or drive around with an expired one . More and more police cruisers are equiped with automated license plate readers linked to a pc which in turn accesess your provinces car registration database (amongst other things). If something's wrong an alarm is triggered on the cops computer.
Transfer the plate legally - they'll credit you for the unused portion of the license of the car being scrapped.


Thanx Stan..

[StanW]

Can it be transfered legally StanW??Just go to the license bureau and tell them that you're scrapping the old car. If the new car does not have a license they will transfer the plate , if it is licensed they'll credit your license - the credit can sit there til you renew your license or registration or you can request to be reimbursed.

Don't forget that if the 'new' car isn't plated you'll; have to do the ontario inspection thing.


What makes you say that it's not the thermostat?

[KIDWCKED]

Just go to the license bureau and tell them that you're scrapping the old car. If the new car does not have a license they will transfer the plate , if it is licensed they'll credit your license - the credit can sit there til you renew your license or registration or you can request to be reimbursed.

Don't forget that if the 'new' car isn't plated you'll; have to do the ontario inspection thing.


What makes you say that it's not the thermostat?

I boiled it and it was fine.Plus i tried your method.And then i purchased a new one with a new gasket for complete confirmation and the temp gauge maxed out again.The chev has a registered plate and i didn't drive it this summer so basically the sticker is expired.

[Terryl]

can always test thermostat in a pot of boiling water


Thats how I do it, works every time, a thermomiter that will go above the boiling point will also tell you at what tempratue its opening at, if rated for 160 degrees ant it's not opening till way above that, then it's time for a new one.


I would just replace it.

Also smell the water in the radiator, see if it smells like gas, if it does you could have a head gasket problem, lots of bubbles can also point to a problem, water in the oil is another.


Hope it's just a bad thermostat....

[KIDWCKED]

Thats how I do it, works every time, a thermomiter that will go above the boiling point will also tell you at what tempratue its opening at, if rated for 160 degrees ant it's not opening till way above that, then it's time for a new one.


I would just replace it.

Also smell the water in the radiator, see if it smells like gas, if it does you could have a head gasket problem, lots of bubbles can also point to a problem, water in the oil is another.


Hope it's just a bad thermostat....

The head gasket on the passenger side leaks..And i can smell it sometimes..

[burnsy]

Don#t waste your money head gasket will run around 800.00 to replace (sorry to say she just aint worth it) if your in Ontario you can transfer the plates to Monte for $10.00 just make sure you take the plate portion of the Intrepid into the licence office along with the ownership and insurance slip for the Monte.

[KIDWCKED]

Don#t waste your money head gasket will run around 800.00 to replace (sorry to say she just aint worth it) if your in Ontario you can transfer the plates to Monte for $10.00 just make sure you take the plate portion of the Intrepid into the licence office along with the ownership and insurance slip for the Monte.

Thanx burnsy.Thats what i thought unforunately.Too bad really the motor is awsome.I guess i will scrap it and buy some wine..:bawl:

[anyonomus]

I can only speak from personal experience on the overheating issue..
I am not a master mecinic..
The impeller blades are gone on the waterpump..
Pump running just fine but not circulating the water / antifreeze....
One reason for it could be using regular tap water in the rad or antifreeze that is not aluminum compatible..

[burnsy]

Tis the season too bad you have to drive the SS in the snow hope you live in southern Ont

[KIDWCKED]

I can only speak from personal experience on the overheating issue..
I am not a master mecinic..
The impeller blades are gone on the waterpump..
Pump running just fine but not circulating the water / antifreeze....
One reason for it could be using regular tap water in the rad or antifreeze that is not aluminum compatible..

Just went out and fired it back up and there is white smoke coming out of the exhaust..Not good probably.

[anyonomus]

Just went out and fired it back up and there is white smoke coming out of the exhaust..Not good probably.

Pull the spark-plugs and have someone swing the engine over a few times..and see if water comes outta one of the plug holes..
If it does... Get your $300 for scrap and move on..lol

[KIDWCKED]

Tis the season too bad you have to drive the SS in the snow hope you live in southern Ont

Just outside of lakefield.And yes to bad it is,but there is only maybe 3months of winter left hopefuly :thumbsup:

[KIDWCKED]

Pull the spark-plugs and have someone swing the engine over a few times..and see if water comes outta one of the plug holes..
If it does... Get your $300 for scrap and move on..lol

Thanx anyonomus.But i think i will use it to store my tools in for the winter until i build a shed...Cheers

[Terryl]

Sounds like a good over the winter rebuilding project, pull the engine, put it on an engine stand and have something to do while your snow bound.

By the time winters over you will have a nice new engine to go out and play, the bad part is that you have 300K on the tranny, the new engine may cause some big problems with an old tranny.

I dropped a 427 into an old Chevell once, got half way down the block when the tranny blew, it couldn't take the load,(partly due to my heavy foot) one new tranny later and the rear end went a week later.

So as my Father always said, "Pull the radiator cap off and drop a new car under it".

[Terryl]

Thanx anyonomus.But i think i will use it to store my tools in for the winter until i build a shed...Cheers


Hummmmmm that sounds like a good "red neck" application, be sure to pull the tires and put it up on blocks.

[anyonomus]

Sounds like a good over the winter rebuilding project, pull the engine, put it on an engine stand and have something to do while your snow bound.

By the time winters over you will have a nice new engine to go out and play, the bad part is that you have 300K on the tranny, the new engine may cause some big problems with an old tranny.

I dropped a 427 into an old Chevell once, got half way down the block when the tranny blew, it couldn't take the load,(partly due to my heavy foot) one new tranny later and the rear end went a week later.

So as my Father always said, "Pull the radiator cap off and drop a new car under it".
Or "jack up the steering wheel and install a new horn button" lol...

[The Cobra]

Just went out and fired it back up and there is white smoke coming out of the exhaust..Not good probably.

Just the question I was going to ask you on the phone but I saw it before I dialed------if you got white smoke coming out of the exhaust you`ve got water/coolant seeping into your engine thru the head gasket about 99% sure....new head gasket etc etc "while you`re there" ie frost plug & sensors will run you easy $800- $1000. I`m thinking the only cure Todd is the old "gallon of gas and a book of matches" cure. sorry bud

[burnsy]

Lakefield my in laws live in Warsaw LOL no Stan not Poland I am heading there on Friday for a few days and White smoke = head gasket 100% I have blown 2 this summer one in my 1985 S-10 with a 383 Stroker (485 HP @ the wheels) and the other in my 1968 Bonneville Ragtop 400 BB Poncho so I am now the white smoke expert and while it only cost me 40.00 for the Bonny it ended up costing me 1800.00 for the S-10 cause while you know if your taking the heads off anyway might as well stick on a new set of Darts while your at it and pump up the ponys to 540 and then sell it well cuase you find a new project LOL 502 IROC Convert in the works hope spring comes early LOL

[KIDWCKED]

Hummmmmm that sounds like a good "red neck" application, be sure to pull the tires and put it up on blocks.

Actually i just put new winter snows on it..So that is a good idea.I had planned on replacing this car and bought another intrepid in june that got smoked by a deer.The car came with a replacement fender and door hinge and driver side headlight wire assy.I spent the time and swapped out the parts.Started it in October and it starting smoking bad blue smoke and the tranny wouldn't shift the arse that sold it to me said thats because it sat to long.I paid 700 and got 320 for scrap..I'm hoping 2012 will be a better year for me..:thumbsup:

[Terryl]

Lakefield my in laws live in Warsaw LOL no Stan not Poland I am heading there on Friday for a few days and White smoke = head gasket 100% I have blown 2 this summer one in my 1985 S-10 with a 383 Stroker (485 HP @ the wheels) and the other in my 1968 Bonneville Ragtop 400 BB Poncho so I am now the white smoke expert and while it only cost me 40.00 for the Bonny it ended up costing me 1800.00 for the S-10 cause while you know if your taking the heads off anyway might as well stick on a new set of Darts while your at it and pump up the ponys to 540 and then sell it well cuase you find a new project LOL 502 IROC Convert in the works hope spring comes early LOL

I blew a diaphragm on the transmission vacuum modulator on my Chevy once, filled both sides of the freeway with white smoke for several miles (I was busy talking with a girl at the time) till the tranny ran too low on fluid and I stopped.

Some people though I was filming a James Bond movie or something.

[KIDWCKED]

Lakefield my in laws live in Warsaw LOL no Stan not Poland I am heading there on Friday for a few days and White smoke = head gasket 100% I have blown 2 this summer one in my 1985 S-10 with a 383 Stroker (485 HP @ the wheels) and the other in my 1968 Bonneville Ragtop 400 BB Poncho so I am now the white smoke expert and while it only cost me 40.00 for the Bonny it ended up costing me 1800.00 for the S-10 cause while you know if your taking the heads off anyway might as well stick on a new set of Darts while your at it and pump up the ponys to 540 and then sell it well cuase you find a new project LOL 502 IROC Convert in the works hope spring comes early LOL

Near the caves probably!!And not far from bigcedar.An s-10 with a stroked 350 could be dangerous..Good luck with the IROQ burnsy..

[JCO]

Could be the water pump, an obstructed radiator, fans not kicking in..

Toddr check if the coolant is flowing , when was the last time the water pump was done, could be the impeller is now nonexistant or theres a blown or slipping belt:noidea: Not much experiences with chryslers though..
If its blowing white smoke now the overheating blew the head gasket for sure..
Go look for a good non responsible accident that will kill the front end and get the other guys insurance to pay for the repair..LOL

[KIDWCKED]

Could be the water pump, an obstructed radiator, fans not kicking in..

Toddr check if the coolant is flowing , when was the last time the water pump was done, could be the impeller is now nonexistant or theres a blown or slipping belt:noidea: Not much experiences with chryslers though..
If its blowing white smoke now he overheating blew the head gasket for sure..
Go look for a goog accident that will kill the front end and get the other guys insurance to pay for the repair..LOL

The belt does squeak ocassionaly and it's fairly new.Water pump could be original as far as i know?The fan runs full bore and that i can confirm.Maybe i should leave the keys in it and one of the savages that live around here will steal it..Won't get to far thou..Thanx JCO:thumbsup:

[JCO]

The belt does squeak ocassionaly and it's fairly new.Water pump could be original as far as i know?The fan runs full bore and that i can confirm.Maybe i should leave the keys in it and one of the savages that live around here will steal it..Won't get to far thou..Thanx JCO:thumbsup:

If there are any deep bodies of water around a brick on the accelerator can make that puppy disapear really quickly..LOL

I got a feeling the impeler on the water pump disintegrated so it over heated.. Did you see the coolant temp increase gradualy lately??
I change the water pump when I change the main belt on my vw,s every 120,000 K. Pumps dont ussualy last more than 140,000K and are right there when you replace the main belt..

By the way I found my brake problem.. It was water in the brake booster.. Now I have to figure out how the water got in there in the first place...:noidea:

[KIDWCKED]

If there are any deep bodies of water around a brick on the accelerator can make that puppy disapper relly quickly..LOL

I got a feeling the impeler on the water pump disintegrated so it over heated.. Did you see the coolant temp increase gradualy lately??
I change the water pump when I change the main belt on my vw,s every 120,000 K. Pumps dont ussualy last more than 140,000K and are right there when you replace the main belt..

By the way I found my brake problem.. It was water in the brake booster.. Now I have to figure out how the water got in there in the first place...:noidea:

Perhaps a slightly corroded brake line?Yes this week the temp was running hotter than normal so i guess that it was gradual.The car looks pretty rough and as mentioned the front end is bad as well.Lately the wipers go off full speed for awhile when i start it..I hit a post at the tim hortons drive thru and there is tuck tape holding the front clip together..Although i have become attached to this not so fine automobile i think i will have to temporarily use it as a shed and then sender!!

[burnsy]

Just fill the tank leave it running in front of a bar in Downtown Peterborough about 2 AM and say hello ins broker

[KIDWCKED]

Just fill the tank leave it running in front of a bar in Downtown Peterborough about 2 AM and say hello ins broker

Seeing as your going to visit this area i could leave the car at stoney lake road if your intrested:thumbsup:

[burnsy]

Just park in the Lakefield Police lot then report it missing they will ever find it LOL

[KIDWCKED]

Just park in the Lakefield Police lot then report it missing they will ever find it LOL

Too good!!The busiest intersection as well lol :thumbsup:

[The Cobra]

Got your answer Todd...................

http://crossquote.com/funny-crazy-redneck-auto-repair/horse-car.jpg

[mclovin]

Well it's not the thermostat..I paid 1400 bux for it 3yrs ago..The front end is getting real tough and the car has few other minor issues.I don't want to spend any money on it really.And i got laid off on friday.I could get 300$ for scrap metal thou.My next question is the car has a recent sticker on the plate.My other car chev monte carlo ss which really dosen't suit my trade i.e black leather int.And a trunk full of 12inch subs hasn't seen to many winters is my only other option.Can i transfer the plate from the intrepid to the chev??Thanx for all your help.

The good thing about the Monte Carlo if it's like the 1970 one I had Todd is you can store 2-24s of beer in front of the rad :D lol

[KIDWCKED]

Got your answer Todd...................

http://crossquote.com/funny-crazy-redneck-auto-repair/horse-car.jpg


Probably a good idea bro.So what time do i have to get up to leave for work thou?

[The Cobra]

Probably a good idea bro.So what time do i have to get up to leave for work thou?

yesterday LMAO or feed the horse a lot of chili.........and get a windshield. LOL

[burnsy]

Isn't that the Omemee Bus

[KIDWCKED]

Isn't that the Omemee Bus

Lmao!!!Hope the nag can navigate thru the swamp...

[Night_Predator]

Could be the water pump, an obstructed radiator, fans not kicking in..

Toddr check if the coolant is flowing , when was the last time the water pump was done, could be the impeller is now nonexistant or theres a blown or slipping belt:noidea: Not much experiences with chryslers though..
If its blowing white smoke now the overheating blew the head gasket for sure..
Go look for a good non responsible accident that will kill the front end and get the other guys insurance to pay for the repair..LOL

I’ve been hoping for that with my 99 Chevy Metro that has over 300K on it but every time some butt head pulls out in front of me or does something else stupid the defensive driver in my avoid it. After wards I kick myself for not letting them hit me. LOL

[JCO]

If you hit him in the rear you are responsible, if you want to get your front end fixed learn to drive in peoples blind spots and they clip your front end in a lane change.. Then they are responsible.. Ooooops was that out loud??

[Night_Predator]

Todd a head gasket is not a difficult job. I have done many. With the repair manual that runs about $22 and the parts you’re looking at about $150 US to do it yourself. But if it were mine I would look on the Internet for a used engine or a wrecked car being parted out. Down where I am there are self-service auto wrecking yards and the parts are real cheap. They even have half price weekends. Pickup an engine and trans for my daughters Mazda 626 for under $200 with a 6 month warranty. If you went that rout you would also have spare engine parts and sensors. And with the economy still uncertain it makes sense since your not going to get a car for the scrap value. Nor can you get one for what it will cost you to fix this one.

[Night_Predator]

If you hit him in the rear you are responsible, if you want to get your front end fixed learn to drive in peoples blind spots and they clip your front end in a lane change.. Then they are responsible.. Ooooops was that out loud??

Where I live people haven't caught on to the fact that the big red octagon sign means stop. So I just need to judge my speed to get hit in the area of my car needing repair. LOL

[burnsy]

never mind all this accident stuff no reason to get hurt make it disapear

[KIDWCKED]

never mind all this accident stuff no reason to get hurt make it disapear

Absoultely!!:thumbsup:

[JCO]

never mind all this accident stuff no reason to get hurt make it disapear


Absoultely!!:thumbsup:

Geez , OK wheres the car I'll do the dirty deed..:tehe:
Been a few years since I had some fun..LOL:thumbsup:

[anyonomus]

In theory this will work but I do not recommend it.....lol
Make sure the car is far enough from anything that could cause u or yours damage..
Leave the windows down about an inch ...U have been working on the car for a few days so no one will be any the wiser...take a lighter and light the wiring harness under the dash ,Close the doors and put the lighter in your pocket ..Then go inside the house and have a cup of tea..
Nature will look after the rest as soon as the wires burn and short out there is no way to determine what caused the fire except an electrical short, insurance will pay with no questions ...DO NOT look out the window until after the fire dept arrives...
My out loud voice is talking again..lol

[burnsy]

A few pointers here make sure the car is parked behind the house so passers by don't save the day and instead of going in for tea take a short trip to the store make a small purchase and keep the receipt so you have proof you were there and arrive home right behind the fire trucks LOL should we has for our own section and make this thread a sticky LOL

[The Cobra]

In theory this will work but I do not recommend it.....lol
Make sure the car is far enough from anything that could cause u or yours damage..
Leave the windows down about an inch ...U have been working on the car for a few days so no one will be any the wiser...take a lighter and light the wiring harness under the dash ,Close the doors and put the lighter in your pocket ..Then go inside the house and have a cup of tea..
Nature will look after the rest as soon as the wires burn and short out there is no way to determine what caused the fire except an electrical short, insurance will pay with no questions ...DO NOT look out the window until after the fire dept arrives...
My out loud voice is talking again..lol

Any...where were you 20 yrs ago when I rid myself of a wife????? to the tune of $$$$$$$$$$$$$

[Pollypurabred]

You have got a lot of good replies but please make sure that you do not have a collapsed water hose. They may look okay on the outside so you will have to get under the hood and squeeze your hose(s) to be sure.
BUT don't squeeze too long.

[The Cobra]

You have got a lot of good replies but please make sure that you do not have a collapsed water hose. They may look okay on the outside so you will have to get under the hood and squeeze your hose(s) to be sure.
BUT don't squeeze too long.

Polly---don`t feed me an easy line like that.....waaaay to tempting. LMAO

[josh3794]

Have you tried burping the coolant system? I don't know about chevy's but my old ford was belching white smoke and overheating like crazy. Turns out it was just air in the coolant system. Run the car with the rad cap off for about a half an hour to clear the air out and see if it is still overheating. Might not work but it doesn't cost you anything other then a bit of gas.

[camaroluvr]

Yep..and make sure there is enough coolant in the rad..Iv had engines overheat when the rad was half empty

[burnsy]

Sorry folks but the only way for there to be white smoke from the exhaust is for water to be in the combustion chamber which equals either some condensation which is normal on start up or real cold days and neither of these will cause an over heating condition if both are present we have a blown head gasket

[The Cobra]

Sorry folks but the only way for there to be white smoke from the exhaust is for water to be in the combustion chamber which equals either some condensation which is normal on start up or real cold days and neither of these will cause an over heating condition if both are present we have a blown head gasket

not a shadow of a doubt....

[KIDWCKED]

Here is an identical pik of old red..Looks like i will keep red as a storage shed.Only cost me 1buck a month for comprehensive and i get the multiple car discount of 120 bux a year.Just have to register red as unplated.Who knows maybe i will tear the old beater apart this summer just for a project and replace the head gasket..Thanx for all the help folks!!;)

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af275/toddr1/14039990_1X.jpg

[The Cobra]

Not to worry ol` bud...you can always do a conversion and have an instant jacuzzi. Just start Ol` Red up at let her overheat.......

http://www.jonco48.com/blog/carpool.jpg

[Night_Predator]

I'll get the saw and you bring your girls Cobra. That way you, Todd and I can have a very Merry Christmas. LOL

[satchick]

Todd a head gasket is not a difficult job. I have done many. With the repair manual that runs about $22 and the parts you’re looking at about $150 US to do it yourself. But if it were mine I would look on the Internet for a used engine or a wrecked car being parted out. Down where I am there are self-service auto wrecking yards and the parts are real cheap. They even have half price weekends. Pickup an engine and trans for my daughters Mazda 626 for under $200 with a 6 month warranty. If you went that rout you would also have spare engine parts and sensors. And with the economy still uncertain it makes sense since your not going to get a car for the scrap value. Nor can you get one for what it will cost you to fix this one.

If you're planning on fixing it, I would go the route of a used engine. It wouldn't be much more labor anyways. The problem you have now is the car has already overheated, and you've probably got coolant contaminating your oil. If you haven't drained the oil out right away, the bottom end bearings aren't going to last. You've also got the problem of warped heads now too. Especially with such high mileage, you're going to need to send the heads out to a machine shop and have them machined, and you're probably going to have to do some work on the mating surfaces on the block too. The price of the machine work alone would probably pay for a used engine, and while you have the engine on a stand where it's easy to work on, you can change the head gaskets and valve cover gaskets as preventative maintenance.

Remember too, if you go looking for a replacement car, anything half-decent with a valid safety and emissions test will be at least $1500-2500, and even that's going to need work, probably brakes, struts, and various little things.