QuestionI have a chrysler LHS 1995, the engine keeps overheating, also, the engine won't keep antefreez in it, it is spraying out onto the hood. I think it may have to do with the antifreeze cap but i am not sure. when it over heats, the steam is coming for the cap coving the antefreeze container and from the valve at the front of the engine.
AnswerHi Chris,
There are several possible reasons. One is that the radiator cap (what you called the valve at the front of the engine? or did you mean something else because we usually describe the front of the engine to be the passenger's side of the engine where the belts are)is not sealing properly. That would cause fluid to leak out the cap and when the level of fluid drops enough the engine would overheat.
Another possibility is that the engine thermostat is stuck closed so that coolant won't flow thru the engine and cooling system. That would cause overheating, and it's sign would be a fairly smooth but rapid rise in the temp gauge after a few minutes of driving.
Another possibility is that you have a leak in the head gasket which produces a loss of coolant, mainly seen as excessive white smoke from the exhaust that lasts longer than a few minutes when you first start a cold engine, or by a foaming condition on the oil dip stick if the coolant leaks internally instead of out the exhaust.
Another possibility (if you have the 2.2 or 2.5L engine) is that you have air trapped in the cooling system. The system has to be refilled a specific way to prevent this problem. Let me know if you have that engine (the thermostat box on the front side of the cylinder head has a plug in the top that you can remove to release the air if that is what you have). I can give you detailed instructions on doing it right.
Another possiblity is a leak: do you see any fluid on the ground after the engine has cooled down and sat for a few hours (not counting fluid blown off from the previous overheat situation). The hose between the radiator neck (where the cap is) and the overflow bottle may be leaking as well.
Another possibilitly is that the water pump is defective and not circulating the coolant. When the engine is cold, but before you add fluid from the prior blow off situation so that the fluid in the radiator is below the filler neck, start it with the radiator cap removed and after a few minutes and things begin to warm up (but before boil over) look in the radiator and see if you can see the coolant flowing inside. You will need a small flashlight and not all filler necks will allow you to see the fluid level in the top of the radiator because they are offset.
Another possibiity is the radiator is clogged with debris from normal breakdown of fluids and metals in the system.
Those are the major reasons. Let me know a little more of the history of this situation. How long has it been going on? Any servicing done about the time it began? Any of the other symptoms I mentionned present at this time?
I wish I could pinpoint exactly the cause, but you need to look for a few signs and symptoms and history (just like a Dr. diagnosing an illness) to figure it out. There are some test tools for several of the possibilities.
Roland
