96 intrepid 3.3L OVERHEATING..?

Question

car was fine , i open the resvoir tank to add coolent , then now its over heating ,, and it seems that coolent is trap on the reivore tank cuz the coolent leak from the overflow hose connected to the resivore tank and the car start smoking// what is going on and how can i fix this  

thanks all

helpful bob · Accepted Answer

I'd be buying a anti-freeze tester from walmart etc then buying distilled water , premixed antifreeze and anti-freeze.With the engine cool use the anti-freeze tester via the over flow reservoir.Then be sure that it's mixed 50/50 or for -40c start up the vehicle and wait a few mins then squeeze the upper rad hose with gloves on wait to see if pressure builds up after a few mins and if no pressure follow that same hose to the engine and that's where you'll find your faulty thermostat that you'll need to change asap.

 If there is pressure then the thermostat is opening up like it should be and the next step would be to let it sit and run with the reservoir cap still on and see if a fan starts to engage after a few mins of it sitting idling warmed up a fan should be engaged and running.A fan should be engaging and if not check it's fuse and especially the fan relays, wiring , the fan or fans and plug in connectors too.Also if you've A/C with the car running warmed up and the A/C running a fan should be kicking in and if not check the fuse etc I mentioned and the coolant temperature sensor.

 Next test you could do is be sure that there is no air bubbles or air clogs etc in the coolant system by opening the bleeder valve on the top of that hose on he thermostat hosing.When you see just coolant coming out you've gotten the air out but do this a few different times so to be sure the coolant circulates and forces the air out.

 You need to check the oil and other fluids just in case a rad has gone or seal or gasket etc , you could have a pressure test done and try flushing the rad.If your coolant right now looks off or is brownish etc that could be a sign that the rad or water pump went on it.

 

 Hope that helps and best of luck.By the way if the engine over heats fast once cool started that means major problems like some of the things I've mentioned like a gasket gone or completely clogged rad etc.

choosey616 · Answer

Check your oil now! Make sure you aren't below the low line. If it is than you may have an oil leak and you should not continue to drive it until you have a mechanic determine where the leak is. 

Could also be that your thermostat is bad.

96 intrepid 3.3L OVERHEATING..?

2 Answers