CortxVortx Posted September 23, 2004 Report Share Posted September 23, 2004 We were sitting in traffic (stop and go -- mostly stop) in our '89 Buick Regal 2.8, when vapor started coming from under the hood. There was coolant boiling out of the overflow container. What the hell? Anyone have any idea what caused this (and how to correct it!), I'd appreciate your input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cutlsp Posted September 23, 2004 Report Share Posted September 23, 2004 i'm told it happens to be the thermostat :? that or your fans were not turning on... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveFromColorado Posted September 23, 2004 Report Share Posted September 23, 2004 that'd happen to my 88 Regal 2.8 every now and then, a few times because the overfill tank was over-full. --Dave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DiscoStudd Posted September 23, 2004 Report Share Posted September 23, 2004 Radiator fan(s) not turning on would be my first guess. Unplug the electrical connector from each fan and jumper them individually to the battery to see if they work. If they don't then replace the motor(s.) If either of them work, then I'd attack the relay next. I'd assume the relay is located in one of the underhood fuseboxes on the 89 like it is on the 95. If the fan motors and relay are good, then maybe your radiator is clogged up and needs to be replaced. That or the water pump is on its way out. Be sure to check all of your hoses and radiator cap... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THe_DeTAiL3R Posted September 23, 2004 Report Share Posted September 23, 2004 On our van it did that (95 Lumina APV 3.1) On my 1988 w/ 2.8 it did that. Was the thermostat both times. Flush out your system real good and put in new coolant too. Its normal for the fans to kick in at high temperatures, but if the thermostat is stuck closed that woun't help any! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sonyman87 Posted September 23, 2004 Report Share Posted September 23, 2004 if the fans do turn on its either from a bad thermostate or yoru radiator cap is malfunctioning Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HokemBokem Posted September 24, 2004 Report Share Posted September 24, 2004 does this happen to 96 regals? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
93CutlassSupreme Posted September 24, 2004 Report Share Posted September 24, 2004 does this happen to 96 regals? it can happen to any car. :gone2far: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GPRACER Posted September 24, 2004 Report Share Posted September 24, 2004 if the fans do turn on its either from a bad thermostate or yoru radiator cap is malfunctioning Good call on the rad cap. It's often overlooked. The higher the pressure in your cooling system, the higher the boiling point is. If the cap is not holding enough pressure, even 3-4 psi lower, It could cause the engine to boil over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HokemBokem Posted September 24, 2004 Report Share Posted September 24, 2004 does this happen to 96 regals? it can happen to any car. :gone2far: What i meant to say is it notorious for happening with 96 regals, i know it can happen to any car Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canada Posted September 25, 2004 Report Share Posted September 25, 2004 I agree on that radiator cap...............you'd be surprised what people don't tighten.......like fuel caps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Intimidatorz34 Posted September 25, 2004 Report Share Posted September 25, 2004 That POS radiator cap caused me some grief.....my coolant boiled up into the reservior, I ended up flushing the system and changing the tstat. Then once I was finished I keep noticing the level in the radiator was low. The water would heat up, fill into the reservior, then once it cooled down, it would suck air through the leaking cap rather than coolant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CortxVortx Posted September 27, 2004 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2004 Thanks, all. I'm making a list of suggestions, from easiest to hardest, and will try them out. I'll keep checking this thread for any additional posts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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