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1995 pontiac grand am se 3100 v6…my problem is coolant system related: periodically coolant “spews” from under coolant recovery tank cap. I have noticed also that the “low coolant” light comes on intermitantly and also the coolant gage taps out in the red then the cooling fan kicks on and gage goes to normal between 150 and 200. I have replaced thermostat, upper and lower radiator hoses, trans coolant lines, rubber to metal line that goes from the recovery tank to the neck of thermostat housing, other than replacing the radiator I am at wits end. I am not a professional mechanic but it seems as if the coolant is “backing up” then spewing out the recovery tank as if something is blocking the coolant frm cycling through the engine. I thought maybe one of the new hoses was collapsing so I replaced the upper hose again with a better quality hose. I went up the street to test drive, no low coolant light came on and gage was at normal operation yet when I parked in my drive I noticed coolant spewing out the cap AGAIN. I do not know what else to do and cannot afford to replace the car yet.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
cpd cop 400
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The cap was replaced a year ago when I replaced the water pump. I replaced it because I could not get the cap off so had to use channel locks to get it off and unfortunately broke it. It is on really tight. Could the cap be bad even tho it is on tight? Replacing again is no issue.
thanks.
If the cap is bad it won’t keep pressure on the system. Coolant will boil and back up into the tank and come out the overflow.
I’m showing a radiator cap 15psi not a coolant recovery
tank cap.I’m also showing a 195 degree thermostat. is this
what was used?Negative….the coolant recovery tank has a cap instead of on the radiator. The thermo was replaced couple months ago still had problem so replaced the hoses with negative results. I purchased a new cap yesterday and will install once I get home. Will let you know if works.
Replaced the cap on the coolant recovery tank. Let the engine run for a few minutes, temp gage tacked out in red 280 and cooling fan kicked on and gage slowly started to decrease and stopped at 120…coolant once again began to spew out of the recovery tank. Looks like its time to just take public transportation and get rid of this car.
Anyone out there want to make me an offer for a 1995 grand am se 4 door 96k miles with coolant issues, has new transmission, new rear springs and shocks, new front struts, tie rod ends and control arms and new steering rack.
Well it looks like your problem is deeper than we thought. At least you didn’t spend BIG dollars on a possible fix.
If you’re sure the coolant is full and you have bled the system well the next step would be to test for a blown head gasket.
It’s a shame you have spent all that money on the car without knowing the exact cause of your problem.
I purchased the car in May 2010 with just over 67k miles. When I had the car inspected prior to purchasing from private owner I was told the head gaskets looked to be recently replaced. Question: The car runs fine with exception of above problem. Is it possible for the head gasket to once again need replacement? Only put over 30k on car since I purchased it.
It is very possible to have blown the head gasket. This can happen if the car was driven to hard up a hill or engine age. I recommend get conformation yourself that you do in fact have a blown head gasket before selling the car.
UPDATE: Took vehicle to get test done….the blue solution turned yellow which I guess means CO2 is getting into coolant. Anyone out there know of “Blue Devil” pour and go head gasket sealant? The mechanic I took vehicle to stated it does work for MINOR issues. Since my issue is only of the fact coolant comes out of coolant recovery tank (but not all the time), could this product work? (or $1600+ for the head gasket work) All opinions are greatly respected and appreciated.
[quote=”cpdcop400″ post=63671]UPDATE: Took vehicle to get test done….the blue solution turned yellow which I guess means CO2 is getting into coolant. Anyone out there know of “Blue Devil” pour and go head gasket sealant? The mechanic I took vehicle to stated it does work for MINOR issues. Since my issue is only of the fact coolant comes out of coolant recovery tank (but not all the time), could this product work? (or $1600+ for the head gasket work) All opinions are greatly respected and appreciated.[/quote]
How many miles on the car?
97,642 miles….I paid closer attention to my issue yesterday….from a cold start as you are driving the temp gage tacks out almost to 280 degrees in the red then heard cooling fan kick on. Pulled over popped open hood and coolant seaping from under coolant recovery tank cap. Continued driving and drove the car most of the day and normal operating range on temp gage rest of day. Started car first thing this morning and while sitting in driveway running i observed the temp gage within 10 mins or less tack out in red, coolant seaping from underneath cap, cooling fan kicked on and temp gage now at normal range. car sat for couple hours, went out and started vehicle been running for 30 mins at normal temp range. Go figure….VERY CONFUSING!!
I have had mixed results with that blue fluid. I gave up on that stuff years ago. Now i pressurize each cylinder with shop air and watch for bubbles in the coolant.
Did you change the thermostat to correct this problem? I have seen thermostats that stick when fully closed and won’t open until a high temp is reached. Seems odd that you drove all day without an issue.
I have also seen the metal line that goes from the recovery tank to the neck of thermostat housing plugged and not allowing coolant to flow.
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