QuestionOriginally overheated in summer 2007. Shop said it needed a new radiator, that was replaced, along with hoses. About 6 months later heater core burst, spewing coolant inside. That was fixed. The A/C went out, and we drove for 1 1/2 years without A/C, but otherwise it seemed fine. Finally fixed the A/C (new compressor)in April '09. This was all in FL. Then drove to CO, made the trip fine, and drove fine for 3 months. Then overheated on mtn. road. Had new Thermostat installed. OK for 1 month, then troubles started. Replaced thermostat again, new hoses, new water pump, new battery. Purchased something to fix it from Thermagard. They recommended a new sensor for the fan, to get it to come on earler. Working on that, have not installed it yet. Drove 100 miles the other day to Denver, worked fine, next day, fine, but the drive home, started overheating, made it only 65 miles, and it really overheated. This is the 5th ride home on a flat bed, and we are really getting tired of this. No trace of water in oil, steam does not seem to be coming out of tailpipe, but have not had other tests. Mechanics are saying get a new car, that is not an economic option right now. Greatly appreciate your help.
AnswerWhat you have is the very very very common fault of every engine of this year and model which is leaking head gaskets whereas combustion chamber pressure is getting into the cooling system and restricting the flow of coolant thru the engine.
The cause is that the steel head bolts are tearing out the aluminum threads in the engine block and the only fix is to drill out all the head boltrs and install heli-coils in the engine block and install new head bolts and new head gaskets.
Perform a back pressure test where you remove all the spark plugs and remove the radiator cap and maintain about 80 lbs of constant air pressure into every spark plug hole one at a time and watch for the bubbles to appaer in the radiator cap opening.
