z28convert

iTrader: (1)

i was driving down the road and noticed the temp went to 220 then almost 260 after 5 min. of driving.

1. upper radiator hose IS warm
2. antifreeze is topped off
3. checked the coolant temp sensor, was unplugged dont know why but after plugging it back in and letting it idle for less than 5 min. it went up to 220-230.

what else should i check. is there a way to see if the water pump or radiator is bad?

00'WS6Rocket

iTrader: (3)

Check the thermostat first ( cheapest) then water pump

z28convert

iTrader: (1)

i just had the thermostat replaced 2 weeks ago.

2001NBMZ28

Could be a bad radiator cap (not holding pressure) too. ECT was unplugged...hmmm...try resetting the PCM (if you don't have an SES light), let the car completely cool down, then start it and see what happens. Just an idea and won't hurt to try.

BlutVonSchwachen

iTrader: (7)

How were you driving, like what speeds, cruise or stop and go, that type of thing?

z28convert

iTrader: (1)

it was probably 3-4 miles highway at 65 mph. not beating on it. then probably another 3-4 miles criusing at 45-50.

i called a guy at a local shop and he said possible head gasket leak. maybe a cracked block. but there isnt any white foam on the oil dipstick. and there is a slight smell when i drive like an exhaust leak coming from the front of the car. not really an antifreeze smell.

z28convert

iTrader: (1)

ALSO...
the guy I talked to said i took the radiator cap off and bubbles came out consistantly it would be cylinder pressure, hence a blown head gasket but at an idle it didnt bubble only when i got on the gas. is this bad or good. sorry if thats a retarded question.

Quickin

Maybe the gasket is partially blown and idle doesn't cause the cylinder pressure to get passed it.

That wouldn't make you overheat the way you decribed though. Just all of a sudden redlining on the gauge isn't from a blown gasket, especially if your fluids were still full like you said.

If the temp sensor was unplugged than I "THINK" (not positive) your fans may not come on. But than again, you don't really need the fans when cruising on the highway, ram air does plenty to keep you from overheating.

z28convert

iTrader: (1)

CORRECTION....it was the level indicator that was unplugged. my bad.

Z28LS1camaroguy

iTrader: (3)

Do your Fans come on??

z28convert

iTrader: (1)

they come on, yes.

Z28LS1camaroguy

iTrader: (3)

its most likely the water pump going bad, my friend had a issue with his and finally just went and the temp went into the red.

Quickin

If you start it up with the radiator cap off and let it get to operating temp, do you see the coolant start to flow? If not, water pump is bad or t-stat is not opening.

The fans should come on low, together, when it reaches operating temp. Then if you go turn the A/C on the fans should go on high.

Maybe you have a big bag or something that went up in front of your radiator.

See if your lower air dam came off.

Maybe you have a bubble in the cooling system and the water pump is stuck in it.

There isn't much more that can overheat you. Blown gasket doesn't overheat you, it just loses coolant. And you said it was pretty much full, so........

I just went through 5 months of not knowing why my engine would go right into the red in 4 minutes time after turning on the A/C. I think I found the problem 2 days ago when I had to take my radiator out when it formed a crack. My condensor was literally closed off by debris over the past 8 years. I'm pretty certain that is my problem. So I'm putting in a new condensor while I'm at it.

Good luck.

z28convert

iTrader: (1)

a glimmer of hope. im gonna get everything pressure tested and ill see after that. thanks everyone for the info. keep it coming

Quickin

Well listen.....if you do have a blown head gasket and the coolant ends up filling a cylinder, and than you go and start the car, you could hydro-lock your engine and it'll be gone. Its a bitch, but take out all your spark plugs and check for coolant in the cylinders before you start it up after the pressure test.


.

NHRAMAN

iTrader: (1)

are BOTH HOSES HOT??? upper AND lower ??? you only mentioned upper.

z28convert

iTrader: (1)

only checked upper hose

im dropping it off to get pressure tested tommorrow. he knows more than me so I wont have to worry about screwing anything up. thanks for the heads up though.

Quickin

Tell him about it, he may know it if someone brought it to his attention but he may certainly not think of it and try to start your car after the test. Than he'll hand you some keys back and a wasted engine.

.

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

this is what im thinkin. maby you should start with a coolent flush.....that will rid any bubbles......

NHRAMAN

iTrader: (1)

**** If your bottom hose is not as hot as the top one, you need a new thermostat...that means there is little circulation..happened to me..simple thermo. fix.....CHECK bottom before wasting $ and time.