93 100 CSQW: Overheating / Coolant Loss

[Huw Powell]

> So this morning, with spare bottle of coolant in hand, I left for work. 32
> degrees here in Mpls. My commute is mostly highway for about 40 minutes.
> About 15 minutes into it, I notice that the temp gauge is pushing towards 1
> o’clock. Another 15 minutes, and it’s a little higher, but appears to have
> stabilized (definitely above normal, though). AT this point, I’m starting to
> smell the “hot smell” of coolant on the exhaust manifold. As I pull into the
> office parking lot, the coolant/overheat warning light comes on. I pull into
> a parking spot, pop the hood (car still running) and observe slightly low
> coolant level in the reservoir, and steam rising from the firewall area.
> Down below reveals a series of dripping from both sides.

> b)       The coolant level was not terribly low this AM—yet the
> overheat/coolant light came on. This, to me suggests overheat more than low
> coolant. Make sense? If so what does this suggest?

thermostat not opening, or radiator fan not coming on, with any luck.
Easy "outside the engine" things to fix.  If it is a head gasket it will
be more work and money.

There was some chatter here about testing radiator thermo switches, and
wiring, about three weeks ago I think.  When was the last time your
thermostat was changed?  A new one couldn't hurt...

--
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/

http://www.humanthoughts.org/