I have a 1989 toyota corolla. The oil has been changed, it is old, but still runs very good. I drive about 2 miles to work and by the time i get home the heat gage is almot to the very top. not spewing liquids nothing. what could it be??
2007-02-06 14:29:00 · 10 answers · asked by -------- 7 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
is the coolant what goes in the radiator??? sorry hubby is out of the country and i am not to hip on the car!!
2007-02-06 14:37:08 · update #1
It could be several things, your coolant could be low, your water pump might be getting weak, your thermostat might not be opening properlly.
2007-02-06 14:33:23 · answer #1 · answered by ♥Tom♥ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
do what wealth said, if a bad head gasket isn't to blame, you will damage it running the car Hot. Yes coolant goes in the radiator. But 1st look in radiator overflow reservoir. Put the coolant in here 1st if you need coolant. Do it with the engine cold. Fill it to the cold fill mark on the reservoir. Then remove the radiator cap and fill the radiator to the top. Mix the coolant 50/50 antifreeze and water. Don't put the coolant in straight. Make sure the coolant (antifreeze) is OK for your Corolla, ask the guy at the counter. If you are very low on coolant then it is probably a bad head gasket.
But replacing the lost coolant might keep the car from overheating until you can get the head gasket replaced. Replace the thermostat, all the coolant, water pump and timing belt when you change the head gasket. Look at the radiator .and make sure salt hasn't rotted it away. Finally, check your engine oil again. A bad head gasket will sometimes cause coolant to get in the oil. The dipstick oil level will be high or a milky brown stuff will be on the dipstick if coolant has gotten into the oil. You might see oil in the coolant reservoir too. Check your engine belts and replace as necessary when doing the head gasket. All of this stuff has to be removed to do the job. Except the water pump. But I'd replace the water pump anyway for insurance. Of course your overheating problem might be caused by a lot of things, bad thermostat, radiator, water pump, electric fan. But you want to rule out the head gasket as the culprit 1st. Hope you have a mechanic you trust. http://www.car-stuff.com/toyotaheadgasket.htm
2007-02-06 16:35:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
One thing that can cause quick engine overheating is a leaking head gasket that allows hot engine gasses to directly heat the engine coolant. You can check this with a instrument that detects engine combustion products in your radiator coolant. Most any garage can run this test at little cost.
2007-02-06 14:43:24 · answer #3 · answered by wealthmaster 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are a couple of things to look for, coolant is one. Only check your coolant prior to starting your car as it is under pressure when it's hot, you will find it in the rad of your car.
Based on how old your car is, the temperatures sensor could be faulty and you need a new one. If there are no other signs of trouble such as your car stopping as it has overheated, I would bet it is the sensor.
Peace
2007-02-06 14:36:15 · answer #4 · answered by nmp948 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like the thermostat, I know u said your man less at this time but I hope maybe by your knowledge of the not losing liquids that you do know a lil bit about cars.
here s a tip , take out the thermostat, bring in the house and put into a pot of boiling water .. if the thermo is good it will open up, if not you have a bad one.
hope it helps.
2007-02-06 15:28:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You might wanna get your radiator flushed out and your thermostat changed. Your supposed to do that every six months or whenever the seasons change(Summer, Winter) that way you get new fluid in and get any rust and funk outta your engine and you'll run kool and smooth and have no real problems. That should do it if not email me back it might be something else.
2007-02-06 14:38:10 · answer #6 · answered by Dr. Loc-est 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it could be low coolant or ti could be you need to have the water pump or thermostat check out.
2007-02-06 14:33:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
could be this
bad thermostat
bad water pump
or a leak
bad head gasket
or it may need to been cleened out a flush and fill
good luck
2007-02-06 14:39:59 · answer #8 · answered by davedebo198305 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the thermostat is bad change it
2007-02-06 14:36:42 · answer #9 · answered by Andre 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
check your coolant.
2007-02-06 14:31:18 · answer #10 · answered by tkim90 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋