93 Saturn SC2, Overheating issues...HELP???

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by talldredge, Oct 22, 2006.

  1. talldredge

    talldredge Guest

    Hey, I have just purchased a 93 Saturn SC2 DOHC. I only paid 700 so I
    expected some glitches, but the previous owner didn't mention anything about
    it overheating. I took it to a MIDAS and they tested it and put about 350
    dollars in it to stop it from overheating and it is still doing it. Here is
    what I know:

    Midas replaced the thermostat and bypassed the sensor that kicks the fan on,
    because it didn't seem to be working, they installed a switch that leaves the
    fan on constantly while the car is on. They pressure tested the entire system
    and there are no leaks. Fluid is pumping through it fine, so the water pump
    appears to be fine.

    If I start it up and let it sit, it goes to about the half way mark on the
    heat gauge and stays there and does not overheat. But once I start to drive
    it, it creeps above half way mark untill I stop at a stop sign or traffic
    light and then the heat gauge creeps up to the 3/4 mark and higher, that is
    when the overfill tank starts to overfill and sprays the engine with coolant
    and I start to get steam/smoke from the coolant on the engine.

    So far it hasn't hit the actual red indicator on the gauge but it gets close
    enough and the overfill tank starts releasing coolant. The coolant indicator
    light just started comming on last night, but I think it is because I am low
    on coolant from it comming out of the overfill tank.

    Midas thinks it is an electrical problem, but since they bypassed the fan,
    what other electrical components are involved with the coolant system. I have
    had vehicles in the past overheat and have had head gaskets blown because of
    it. So I don't want to take any chances, but I am also not convinced it is an
    electrical problem, although to be honest I do not know what all electrical
    components are involved.

    PLEASE HELP and provide any suggestions or tips you can think of. This is the
    only transportation I have to get to work and need it to last at least a few
    months till tax return.

    I thank you in advance for any suggestions or advice you can give,

    Tim
     
    talldredge, Oct 22, 2006
    #1
  2. talldredge

    metoo Guest

    Did you answer your own question? head gasket?
    I would not think it is electrical because if your fan is on all the
    time then the engine is overheating as evidenced by the steam. Could
    be pressure cap releasing too early but you said that was replaced,
    only other electrical I can think of would be computer/injectors
    making it run too lean and overheaing. is something restricting the
    water flow ?
     
    metoo, Oct 22, 2006
    #2
  3. talldredge

    SnoMan Guest


    Look for a radiator hose that is collapsed internally blocking xoolant
    flow or the radiaotr core is plugged up which is not unusual in a old
    car. Also give the tendancy of the plastic end tanks on it to crack
    with age, I would not botther have it rodding out or cleaning it and
    would replace it with a after market unit. There also is a slight
    chance it could be water pump but my nickle is on the first two
    suggestiions with the second one the likely cause.
     
    SnoMan, Oct 22, 2006
    #3
  4. talldredge

    hhhmayo Guest

    Replace the fan motor. It does not simply stop working, it degrades
    with age. Had the same problem and tried everything.


    Larry
     
    hhhmayo, Oct 23, 2006
    #4
  5. talldredge

    ds549 Guest

    ds549, Oct 24, 2006
    #5
  6. talldredge

    SnoMan Guest


    Not so sure, I have a Saturn and they will loss coolant before they
    hit red mark and it does not have a bad headgasket. GM uses a funky
    coolant tank unlike what they normally use and there is nowhere for
    coolant to vent except overboard as there is no recovery system on
    that car. It is kinda a step backwards in that regard.
     
    SnoMan, Oct 25, 2006
    #6
  7. talldredge

    BläBlä Guest

    Straight from the condition chart
    Engine Overheats:
    -----------------------------------------------------------------
    -System low on coolant

    -Dirt, leaves, or insects on radiator or condenser

    -Hoses, water pump, thermostat housing, radiator, core plugs, or head
    gasket leakage

    -Thermostat damaged

    -Cooling fan motor or cooling fan relay

    -Radiator hose plugged or rotted

    -Water pump damaged

    -Radiator plugged

    -Coolant recovery reservoir cap damaged

    -Cylinder head or block cracked or water passages plugged

    -Accessory drive belt and/or tensioner

    -Plugged heater core

    -Plugged heater hose

    -Vehicle air deflector damaged, cracked, or missing

    -Coolant solution

    -Damaged or missing fan shroud
    -----------------------------------------------------------------
     
    BläBlä, Oct 25, 2006
    #7
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