Question for anyone that has car knowledge..?

Question

My car has been overheating and steam has been coming out of this white container..

http://img337.imageshack.us/my.php?image=image0001ry8.jpg

I have put in a new thermostat and the fan is working..would anyone know whats wrong with my car..? thanks guys

Answer 1

If all you have is steam in the overflow tank then you are low on coolant - add a mix of coolant and water, 50-50 to the full level on the jug then run the car and see if it has a leak. Check for leaks where the hose clamps hold the hoses, check the water pump - if the seal is gone it will leak around the pulley shaft and be wet there, check the radiator for damp spots, look under the car for leakage maybe a freeze out plug is leaking. Steam means the coolant is coming up to temp but if you don't see anything take the car and have the system pressure checked which is the most effective check for leaks. Its a cheap process they screw a small hand pump on where your radiator cap goes and pump the system up to pressure and they also check the cap with it to be sure it is still sealing. You can lose a certain amount of coolant out of the tank through evaporation so if you haven't checked the level for a while it might be nothing. Check your oil and see if its got a milky color to it. That would be an indicator of a head gasket problem.

Answer 2

You changed the thermostat and it's still happening? I hate to say it but try changing it again. These are very simple little things that cost the production plants a nickle each to make. Allot come off the line defective. Change it once more and see if it was the problem. If the problem still comes up, have your coolant system flushed and top up with NEW coolant. Possibly, there's dirt deposits and other grime and junk in your lines and causing over heating. Have your upper and lower hoses checked. Chances are it's the lower hose but have them both checked. And check your engine head gasket. Lastly, clean your radiator grill thoroughly. Treat your engine to a full tune up. Filters, fluid changes, all of that stuff, over heating is rough on an engine and it needs some TLC. Good luck.

Answer 3

a friend's car had the same problem a while back....the problem was that the water pump had a major leak, we thought it was a hole in the radiator-but the water came from the pump
check if there is any water leaking, and where it's coming from

Answer 4

I think that's where the cooling liquid is supposed to be. This tank should be almost full of it. Check, there should be a minimum and maximum level line on the tank. If that's the case, get a whole canister of cooling liquid and fill the tank up to the maximum line. (I might be totally wrong though.)

Answer 5

ok.. I will be right back..a leak, collapsed bottom hose, blown head gasket, or plugged radiator... my hunny said so...♥

Answer 6

Plugged up radiator or the lines are all gummied up????

Answer 7

I'm being kinda basic here but serious, does it need water?

Answer 8

buy an american car