My car is running Hot!!!!! Plz help....

[Chase97]

I was on my way to college and i noticed that my car was running a little over 210. It usually runs around 185 and i could smell something burning. Right away i thought "low fluids", so i checked the fluids and they were low, but when i pulled the dipstick out it looked like mud on it. So before i put the fluids in i took it to the shop to have the radiator flushed, and new fluids put in. So they ran a test on everything and called me back. Below is a list of everything they said needed fixed.

1. Power steering pump is leaking -612.07
2. Water pump is leaking -243.43
3. I have a cracked belt -77.67
4. Idler pulley is going out -66.44
5. Trans Pan gasket leaking -129.26
All prices = parts, labor, & tax.

They told me to wait on the flush until i do the water pump, i would save money on the flush and the fluids would all come out anyways. They said for the coolant drain & fill it would be 35.15 w/ the water pump replacement. Well obviously i dont have money like that just sitting around and i just got laid off from my work today also. So i took my car home paid the checking fee and filled the coolant. Do these prices look about right and what should i do??? Also what things could i replace with better aftermarket products instead of factory. Sorry for the novel, but i need help before i spend all this money.

Thank you in advance,

Chase

[Andy H]

Seems rather expensive to me. If it were my car I would do all of the work myself and save on the labor cost. For example, I just replaced the belt on my car and it took me about 5 minutes to change it and it cost about $12 for a new belt. If you can't do the work yourself I would check around at different shops to try to get a better price. Good luck! And go sign up for unemployment! [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Chase97]

Thanks for replying. I really cant do all that stuff, but i could probably do the belt myself. Other than that i dont have a clue. But if i am goint to replace any of that stuff i want to make sure i get some good aftermarket replacements if available for my car. OH...i'm going to file un-employment after school tomorrow...

Thanks,

Chase [img]graemlins/evilgrin.gif[/img]

[southern94]

leaks suck bad i hate them :mad:

[EARLJAM]

i second andy on that.. get a friend to help and save on costs.

[Chase97]

thanks for the replies....i have a friend that is going to help me with it, but he checked it out and i have to replace the idler pully and the water pump. he said the water pump is leaking badly, so im not driving my car right now. do any of you guys have those gator belts on your car?also should i look for a better water pump or pulley before i just go to autozone or something???

Chase :rolleyes:

[Dominic]

Im not sure how much this will help you but:

ZZperformance sells an underdrive waterpump pulley, its lighter weight, its the upgrade currently for our cars.

An option for you *might* be to go with an electric pump and remove the impeller from the stock pump also, if you think you want to change things around.

Getting to the water pump wont be fun, I'd just have someone else do it unless you're confident in your mechanical abilities - just be sure to watch them do it so you get a better mechanical idea of how it all goes [img]smile.gif[/img] Might help you later!

The Power steering hopefully isnt leaking badly - put some power steering seal in there and wait until you need a new one... you're probably fine. Did he actually show you the drip line - or did he assume leak due to low fluid???

Cracked belt... $12-20, 5minutes to fix, do this yourself... Its very easy!!!

Trans pan gasket leaking... Do this yourself as well if you're concerned. Pop off the trans pan, swap gaskets and filters, pop on the pan and refill with fluid... might cost $25 max and won't be hard at all.

You might need an impact wrench to get off the idler pulley, I dont remember, if you do just borrow one from AutoZone or something... Why is it bad? Is it screaming or loose or what?

Don't get raped - the water pump is the only costly thing [img]smile.gif[/img] Have that done, do the rest yourself, enjoy the car. Also if you're going to have it done, I'd probably take it to a GM dealer where the work is guaranteed for the life of the car - so long that you can agree on a fair price.