cooling system, overheating, i've replaced almost everything Help!!

[RX25SE]

Before you buy a new radiator, I would do the following in addition to the above suggestions.

Get a mechanic to connect a scan tool and read the engine temp from that. This will take the reading from the coolant temp sensor (for the PCM) rather than the sensor for the gauge. You may just have a faulty gauge.

Run the engine from cold and feel the top hose. When the the thermostat opens, it should get hot very quickly. With the scan tool connected, it will give you an idea if the thermostat is opening at roughly the correct temp.

This is a bit rough, but it sort of works. With the top and bottom hoses disconnected, block the bottom hose outlet with your hand and have someone fill the radiator. Quickly remove your hand and note the rate at which the radiator drains. This may tell you if the radiator is blocked.

 

[Miss_BB]

ok guys, got more info for you. Replaced the radiator today with a brand new one and.........

Its still overheating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The only thing is the high speed fan kicks in but kicks out after only a few seconds no matter how hot it all goes. Any thoughts?

 

[FstStig]

Have you done your inlet manifold gaskets? If they have kicked it then it can be causing it to overheat.

 

[The1]

fans should only cut out if temps have been reduced to cutout levels usually low fan should be enough if high fan is coming on its getting hot id be checking coolant temp sensor with scantool pitty your not near enough to toowoomba

does it actually get very toasty under the bonnet cause you say the fans are cutting in and out so maybe only temp gauge

 

[hako]

You did get the mechanic to check the thermostat was in the correct way, didn't you?

 

[Miss_BB]

Yes Hako the thermostat is in the right way, that got checked today. I am taking it down monday and getting them to actually test the temp when the gauge says its hot. The ( backyard ) mechanic who has been doing most of the work on it says in his opinion its not actually getting hot.

Thinking about it on the dash i have also lost the odometer and trip meter so maybe its just been the dash gauge the whole time.

 

[hako]

Loss of the odo and trip meter will be due to the plastic cog disintegrating inside the speedo....happens to every Commodore.

 

[Miss_BB]

ok back home from getting the bad news. It is now looking more and more like a head gasket.

Just took it to my usual mechanic who i should of taken it to first up, but i took it to a "radiator specialist ". He now has it for the morning but is looking likely to be a head gasket. I am ready to start crying. I can't afford all this ####. I have now replaced, the transmission, the entire cooling system on this car, and now this. I am going to end up replacing everything on a car not worth more than $3000.

 

[nathanVY]

Mate don't get to stressed, these things very very rarely blow head gaskets. Unless the car's been cooked severely I doubt it would be that. As long as you've turned it off before the heat got too high it should be fine. Maybe the inlet manifold gasket? A bit more likely. Mace engineering make top quality ones, they're a forum sponsor.

I've got a VS V6 radiator I need to sell, it's got the screw on fittings that should fit the series 2. PM me if you're interested not chasing very much for it.

 

[Miss_BB]

nathan read a little further up, I have replaced the radiator already. Just waiting for the mechanic to call with the news. And no i have never cooked the engine, always stopped just before 3/4's to make sure i don't overcook it. Just over it all, after spending so much money replacing the whole cooling system, i am strapped for cash and as i live in a regional town going without a car even for a few days is not an option.