zerophlux Posted April 11, 2005 Report Share Posted April 11, 2005 My 92 lumina has a small radiator leak, and I have to put water in it about every week to two weeks. Recently, the coolings fans have been giving trouble. I replaced thier relays, and that fixed it, up until this morning when it overheated on the way to work. My dad said something about a temperature switch on the motor somewhere that only has one wire on it, and he said that if I were to ground that wire, the fans would be on as long as the key is in the on position. Anyone have any idea what he is talking about and where this switch is? Or any other remedy to fix the fans? This isn't just the daily driver, it is also a main component of my job... please help!!! Thanks, Skylor Williams Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THe_DeTAiL3R Posted April 11, 2005 Report Share Posted April 11, 2005 I think you should figure out why it's overheating in the first place. The fan(s) should only kick in when you're sitting in traffic or after aggressive driving. Have you flushed the rad/changed the t-stat? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zerophlux Posted April 11, 2005 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2005 I really don't think the thermostat is causing this. But I suppose I could throw one at it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sl3196 Posted April 11, 2005 Report Share Posted April 11, 2005 Yeah it does sound like a bad t-stat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zerophlux Posted April 11, 2005 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2005 Ok, well before I have had a chance to change it, I let it cool off and put some water in it, and now it doesn't want to stay running unless I give and keep giving it gas. A guy walking by while I was trying to start it said the head gasket(s) are more than likely blown now. Anyone have any idea if it would be worth it to get it fixed, and about how much it costs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DiscoStudd Posted April 11, 2005 Report Share Posted April 11, 2005 You say you're adding "water" to the system, so by saying that, does it mean you're adding straight water (no antifreeze) ? If you don't have the proper 50/50 mix in your engine/radiator, then it will boil over before the fans even have a chance to kick in. Remember, water boils at 212*, and a 50/50 mix of coolant and water (under 15 psi of pressure) boils over at 275* (or so.) If you continuously overheat the motor, then you most definitely could blow out your headgaskets, but that would be the best case scenario. Worst case, you could crack or warp the block and/or heads. Your dad mentioned their being a temp sensor for the cooling fans. There were some GM cars that had the separate sensor (mid 80's 2.5 "Iron Duke" 4-Bangers had them) but by the early 90's, the cooling fans were controlled by the PCM. I'm fairly certain your car doesn't have the separate sensor... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cutlsp Posted April 11, 2005 Report Share Posted April 11, 2005 yeah if it has stalled repeatedly because it over heats you loose your head gaskets. if you keep driving it like that then you crack the heads trust me i know from experiance it sounds like a thermostat issue or the line going to the heater core on the passenger side is leaking or the heater core is leaking. mine the heater core was pissing the coolent out of it. so now my spare car needs head gaskets :dammit: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twind Posted May 20, 2005 Report Share Posted May 20, 2005 how can you tell if the head gaskets are bad? does not lose coolent. no antifeeze in oil or oil in anti freeze Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdcutty Posted May 20, 2005 Report Share Posted May 20, 2005 I would definitely say Head gasket. Take it to a reputable shop and tell them you want to have it tested. It may cost you like 35 or 40 bucks but it will be worth it to know exaclty what is wrong. usually, if you decide to let them fix it, they will put the cost of the test towards the cost of the repair. Sorry bout your luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.