Diagnosing/fixing overheating problem

[ccr-fubar]

Chasing an overheating problem. I've read a lot here that has helped. Looking for clarification/suggestions.

2000 Camaro 3.8L with 115,000 miles.

Yesterday, temperature guage went to the 1 o'clock position, turned heater on full cooking my feet until got car home. Last night put in new 195 degree thermostat. On the test drive the temp guage went again to the 1 o'clock position.

Reading here taught me Coolant Air Bleeding. Did that. Temp Guage stayed at 12noon while idling during the bleed.

On today's commute, temp guage again went to 1 o'clock position but cycled back to 12noon.

First question:
When bleeding air from coolant system, periodically the open radiator would geyser out hot water for several seconds... and I would replace the water once Old Faithful settled.
Is this symptomatic of a clogging radiator? A disfunctioning water pump? Something else?

Second question:
If replacing the water pump, can I get at it directly after removing the serpentine belt?
It looks accessible, and I'd rather not remove crap connected to the radiator housing, etc.

Third question:
Any advice/links that would help me?

Very much appreciate the info gained here.
John

[htmabe]

Re: Diagnosing/fixing overheating problem

You didn't mention anything on cooling fans on or off.
Best trick to bleeding all the air out is to get that radiator above the motor. In other words jack front of car up. Way up like car ramp height.
Sounded like you didn't get the air out when you said ''geyser out'' Fill system put cap ON then bleed air from the bleeder screw on the thermostat housing.
The water pump is just that ,a pump. If it's not leaking leave it alone.

[ccr-fubar]

Re: Diagnosing/fixing overheating problem

Thanks for the advice on the pump. It's not leaking.

No issues I know of with the fans. I heard them "On" when I got home with the temp guage at 1 o'clock the other day.

I'm going to go do the bleeding (hopefully) correct now. May be a stupid question, but am I looking for wet steam to be escaping, or an actual stream of hot water?

I'll follow-up tomorrow after a woosy commute and thanks for the reply htmabe.

[FIREBIRDV6RAGE]

Thanks for the advice on the pump. It's not leaking.

No issues I know of with the fans. I heard them "On" when I got home with the temp guage at 1 o'clock the other day.

I'm going to go do the bleeding (hopefully) correct now. May be a stupid question, but am I looking for wet steam to be escaping, or an actual stream of hot water?

I'll follow-up tomorrow after a woosy commute and thanks for the reply htmabe.

Let the car get up to 210 normal operating temp. Then open the bleed screw untill you see nothing buy fluid coming out. Then close it. Have you checked if your radiator has gunk in it?

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk

[ccr-fubar]

Re: Diagnosing/fixing overheating problem

I have a section of driveway with a 20 degree incline, so it was easy to elevate the radiator above the motor.

Made sure radiator was topped off and closed it. Opened bleeder, started engine, at around 210 degrees hot water started coming out of bleeder. Turned off motor, closed bleeder, started motor and it idled at "a minute before 12noon" on the temp guage for a while. Left car on incline. In morning will check radiator level and leave for work early.

Regarding Radiator gunk, when first opened cap removed about a marble's worth of brown-putty-crap from the radiator cap itself.

Is having a garage do a radiator flush a cheap no-brainer? Do they automaticly do a pressure test? I've had the car eight years and have not had any overheating issues before now.

Thanks again.

[PalmHarborBlkv6]

Re: Diagnosing/fixing overheating problem

I have a 2000 3.8 Camaro and three weeks ago I
had the exact same issue. The oil pressure dropped too.
I turned on the heater and only drove for about 2 miles
then pulled into a major tire dealer. One mechanic said
I needed a new radiator, the other said I blew a head gasket.
They wanted over $600 for the new radiator, coolant.
I did not feel confident in them so I used my insurance
to have to towed. I brought it to a shop, that was not impressive
looking but they knew what they were doing. The issue
was a bad intake gasket. They did some research and found out
someone made an updated gasket better than the OEM GM gasket.
He did the work, flushed out the radiator, put in a new Thermostat
a plastic piece by the water pump and the oil with 10w-40
and the old pressure is now better than in was with 10w-50 I had
in it. The car cost me $600 for all and they did it in three days
during the holiday. I could not be happier as the car is great now.

[ssms5411]

Re: Diagnosing/fixing overheating problem

As long as you use the bleeder screw on the thermo you shouldn't have a problem bleeding the air out. I have had mine almost 20 years and never had it on a incline to bleed the air out. Just keep a eye on it after bleeding the air out, I usually do it 2-3 times to make sure its good and keep a eye on it incase you have a leak somewhere. As for the fans they come on at about 220 for the low speed and 230 for the high speed so your temp will be up there a little bit before cooling.

[FirebirdGT]

Re: Diagnosing/fixing overheating problem

Chasing an overheating problem. I've read a lot here that has helped. Looking for clarification/suggestions.

2000 Camaro 3.8L with 115,000 miles.

Yesterday, temperature guage went to the 1 o'clock position, turned heater on full cooking my feet until got car home. Last night put in new 195 degree thermostat. On the test drive the temp guage went again to the 1 o'clock position.

John

Since you are in CA - get rid of the 195 T-stat and put in a 180. That will open the coolant to the radiator sooner, and not let the temp climb up to 195 before opening the T-stat.

Our cars run hot since the cooling air has to come from under the car - needs to always be moving.
.

[Docta]

Re: Diagnosing/fixing overheating problem

Helps if you can command the computer to turn the fans on at lower temps too. I have mine set to come on at 185&190. But that's with a 180°

[htmabe]

Re: Diagnosing/fixing overheating problem

Camaro radiators sit lower than the motor .All sportscars do. Incline just makes the whole bleeding process easier, faster and more complete. Sometimes you get an air bubble that just doesn't want to go away by having that radiator above the motor {inclined} gravity "helps" it and in some cases a lot. Also be informed these cars came from the stealer with dexcool. Which to you means pick one or the other. No mixing or you end up with mud. My bet is flush it all and mean flush it till clear only running out then go with normal antifreeze, updated uim and lim gaskets .Done . Ends overheating issue every time.

[PalmHarborBlkv6]

Re: Diagnosing/fixing overheating problem

about two years ago, I had the same issue with my first engine. I replaced the radiator with a new one....they put in new antifreeze, new thermometer....within a few weeks the car overheated and the upper and lower manifold gasket went out and I blew a rod and had to get a new engine.
But don't let my experience stop you from doing the same thing.

[ccr-fubar]

Re: Diagnosing/fixing overheating problem

All is fixed and I'm happier than the munchkins after the house fell on the witch of the east.

My problem was fixed by replacing the thermostat AND properly bleeding the air out of the coolant system. This morning the radiator was still topped off and all day long the temp guage was always to the left of the 210 mark.

Lucky for me I live near the coast in So Cal, so even the hottest summer days are the upper 80s. I'll keep the 195 thermostat in as I've never had an overheating issue before now.

THANK YOU EVERYONE for your replies and comments. Ab-so-frickin'-lutely love this site.

[ssms5411]

Re: Diagnosing/fixing overheating problem

Good to hear, sounded like it was something minor.