Recently just picked up my car from the auto mechanic to do some general tune-up work I didn't want to take the time to do myself. After getting her back this morning and driving her about a half mile I noticed that the temp gauge was at about 80% so i decided to pull over and take a look under the hood. Car seemed fine, was a bit warm, however, i didn't feel that given the heat the motor was putting off it was anything alarming. At this point though I don't want to risk any damage to the motor.
I'm looking for advice on the quickest way to identify what the underlying issue could be - auto shop advised that they did a full inspection and that everything seemed to be fine. Checked the oil and coolant levels, tune-up and replaced the breaks and rotors. I let the car sit for an hour or so and turned it back over, after running it down the street and back a few times the temp sky rocket again.
Bottom line - whats the quickest and most effective way for me to find the underlying issue. All help appreciated.
I checked additional threads on the forum and found people saying - replace the water pump, ensure its running, check aux fan to ensure its working properly, replace the radiator and everything that comes with it. Rather than putting myself in a position of doing all of that I'd like to just locate the underlying issue. Once again I appreciate the help.
verify that your water pump and thermostat are in good working order, maybe do a radiator flush too https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s--5ft5YiHg
Test fan operation,
perform radiator/cooling system pressure test.
Maybe the belt is slipping and maybe it's also crooked from worn alternator mount bushings.
Tbd
Use an Infrared Thermometer to verify your having a cooling issue,really inexpensive now, these car gauges vary on voltage and so forth, aim at the coolant hose not metal.
Randy
Hi Randy, the temp gauge needle position is not swayed by voltage variations - assuming all the electrical connections are good! I forget the terminology for this type of electrical style, but has to do with how the gauge's 3rd wire is attached to it.
Tbd
There are tests to confirm that,, As too overheating, it could be a sticky thermostat, clogged radiator-needs a flush,,fan belt too loose and several other items. Its a process of elimination to find the reason for overheating.
Randy
Last edited by 320iAman; 07-23-2018 at 01:39 AM.
if original, probably the radiator. new ones are cheap. i had same issue when i had first purchased my car. new radiator was like night and day. good luck.
If it was fine before the mechanic, and he replaced the coolant as part of the tune-up, make sure the air is out of the system. This can cause an overheating condition.
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