cutlass overheating when idle

[vancutlass]

Hi I have a 1990 Convt Cutlass Supreme. The problem is that when I sit idle in traffic for more than 5minutes the temperature gauge starts to go towards red and the car is overheating, but as soon as I hit the gas and drive without interruptions the temperature goes back down to normal. Do you think this is a problem with the cooling fans, how do I go about finding out the problem and fixing it, other than just take it to the shop.

 

Much appreciated, Thanks.

[Addicted to eaton]

Try Turning the car on and sitting there when it starts to go up get out pop the hood and look. are your fans on? If not turn the car off and check the fuses. (under hood). I had the same problem in a cavalier. But it was were the fans would stay on when i turn it off. So i thought i fixed it. Im trying to thank of the name for it but it is a little gray box (resister keeps comeing in mind) Un plug it and look to see if it is burn. ( you can find it buy following the fan wires.

[19Cutlass94]

Well first off, you should NEVER rely on any of the gauges. Hook up a scanner to see the actual temperature of the coolant. And there are a couple things that can cause this. First, did this happen all of a sudden? Or did this happen after you added coolant like when changing a radiator etc etc? I ask his because air bubbles in the system can cause this. Also you could have a thermostat that is stuck part way open.

[dohc v6]

more then likly its your fans, but I would check, just turn the ac on. also if not the fans then its the thermostat or waterpump.

[19Cutlass94]

Its NOT the fans... Something else is obivously wrong causing the temperature to to raise quickly.

[ManicMechanic]

Its NOT the fans... Something else is obivously wrong causing the temperature to to raise quickly.

 

It can rise really quickly if the fans aren't working...

[Chancho]

Its NOT the fans... Something else is obivously wrong causing the temperature to to raise quickly.

if the fans are bad when the car is stoped the radiator has no air flow therefore causing the adiator to be terriably innefficent and cause the car to overheat

[19Cutlass94]

Fans come on when its 222* 227* You guys are telling me that these cars idle at that coolant temp?! Mine can sit for a LONG time and idle at 190* A thermostat being stuck is something that raises the temp very quickly. And these cars SHOULD NOT overheat within 5 minutes of idling in traffic.

 

Look at the thermostat, waterpump, radiator, you know components of the cooling system that should be working properly. Fans are jus there for saftey. They should NOT come on constantly. If they do theres a problem or your diving in 90*+ weather.

[Addicted to eaton]

Ok but when your car is idleing go pop the hood and see if one of your fans are on. And 222? and 227? Thats when the other fan kick in.

[synistershadows]

i say its the t-stat i had the same prob so i swapped in a 180 and it made a world of difference

[dohc v6]

LOL, in florida its always 90+ even at nihgt.

[Crazy K]

tip: see if the fans work by doing the OBD 1 check engine light test, they both turn on when you jump the port.

 

btw.... I haven't seen you before... welcome, and show us your ride in the vert section vertaholics thread!!!!!!!! and learning your cars build date, options, and VIN/serial number would be terrific to throw into the records! (me and manic mechanic are cataloging verts)

[19Cutlass94]

Ok but when your car is idleing go pop the hood and see if one of your fans are on. And 222? and 227? Thats when the other fan kick in.

 

Primary/secondary. Only time my fans come on is when I have the AC on.

 

 

LOL, in florida its always 90+ even at nihgt.

 

umm wrong. Look at the weather report down there slick. Its not 90* year round.

 

 

[Chancho]

 

LOL, in florida its always 90+ even at nihgt.

 

umm wrong. Look at the weather report down there slick. Its not 90* year round.

 

 

 

I live in florida, its close enough, latley though its been quite cool out

[dohc v6]

Wow, I did not mean that it is 90 degrees every day and night. I was just saying the florida is probably one of the hottest states.Wow, didn't know u were going to take that so far.

[vancutlass]

Hey guys thanks for the replies, I think its probably the thermostat, btw i have no AC ! But I will check the thermostat, rad, and fans. Plus I know its overheating not only from the guage but also because there is smoke coming from the hood because the coolant has begun to boil out of the container!!

[synistershadows]

deffinitly T-stat mine did the same thing

[Addicted to eaton]

mine did that too with just the fans not working. Man it was funny though to turn it off and hear the boiling over fill contaner lol. I knew it coulding be good becase plastic melts lol!

[greencutlassdrvr]

Its NOT the fans... Something else is obivously wrong causing the temperature to to raise quickly.

 

It can rise really quickly if the fans aren't working...

its true my 97 was doing the same thing...