Overheating issues?

Question

My 1991 Nissan Sentra has been overheating lately on very short trips. My dad put a brand new cooling fan on it in August and as far as I can tell it is switching on. I can see it and hear it. It is also full of coolant. I don't see anything leaking.

My dad says he thinks the simplest explanation is that the thermostat isn't opening up to let the coolant through. One of my colleagues suggested the water pump. What could be some other, if any, possibilities for the cause of this? My dad is usually my mechanic, but I am now 600 miles away and I do not want to get ripped off by some mechanic who thinks I'm some dumb woman.

Thanks.

Answer 1

I would say thermostat as well , But another possibility is a collapsed radiator hose. I have seen this on numerous occasions.

Start you car and with the engine running , look at both hoses to see if either is collapsing. If collapsing is occurring then this would cause you to overheat due to fact of the restricted flow in your hoses.

Answer 2

I would have to agree with your father on this. It is more likely to be a thermostat then the water pump. I would also have the coolant level checked as well. However if they replace the thermostat on the car, they will have to top the coolant up anyway. It is more likely to be the thermostat.

Answer 3

The water pump would make noise, and possibly leak, so that is not likely.

To check if it is the thermostat, remove it. This will not hurt the engine, it will run cooler than usual if the thermostat is the problem. If so, replace it.

Another posibility is a radiator the is clogged with corrosion, and other goo. If this is the case, you need a new one.

Answer 4

Feel that changing out the thermostat is a low cost attempt to remedy the problem,and is worth a try.

Answer 5

thermostat is cheaper than a water pump so try that first. If not then you prolly need a water pump.

Answer 6

I like the thermostat idea. Change it.