coolant overflow

[rmoreno145]

Just got home and noticed coolant leaking in front by grille and a bit of smoke-steam. Looks like coolant reservoir overflowed. Any idea why this would happen. What should i do?

[Magnificent]

Did you notice if it got hot? Are your fan(s) working?

[rmoreno145]

The gauges didnt go up im not sure about the fans, but if the fans werent working wouldnt it get hot?

[Magnificent]

Originally Posted by rmoreno145

The gauges didnt go up im not sure about the fans, but if the fans werent working wouldnt it get hot?

Well I'm thinking 1 of 2 things is happening....either your car is getting too hot or its leaking the coolant. If the fans aren't functioning properly... I'm not sure with your motor/setup--with mine I have 2 fans, where one comes on with compressor. It's hot in Texas right now, if the fans aren't coming on I would say yes, your car could be getting too hot. Boiling over is a symptom of that. But it also could be a cracked plastic radiator reservoir or some other cooling system leak. I had the same thing you're describing happen on my 2000z28. They make radiator tanks out of plastic and they crack. You cant take them to get them fixed at the radiator shop anymore when they are that kind --replacements only. (I do have a friend who jbwelds them at a concrete yard where he works on heavy equipment and big trucks. Technically it could be done.)

[rmoreno145]

I went out last night and filled up the radiator and turned it on for 10 minutes no leaks anywhere and the fans both came on. Ill keep an eye on the gauges again today, thanks for the input

[Rock-It Man]

If you don't have a leak, the boil over is usually caused by the radiator cap not being installed correctly.

You may have unknowingly fixed the problem by taking off the radiator cap and then putting it back on. The boiling point of the coolant is at a higher temp when the radiator cap maintains pressure.

Also, you didn't describe how you filled the radiator. You need to run the engine with the cap OFF until any air bubbles work their way out. Then top it off and put the cap on. Only then, also fill the reservoir to the correct level. If you leave air bubbles, you will have another boil over.

[rmoreno145]

My buddy says its the thermostat, ive never messed with the radiator cap so it may be one of those two. I drove to work this morning and evrything was fine, guess the teal test is driving home in 100 degree heat and traffic.

[rmoreno145]

Does anyone know where the thermostat is located?

[Night trained]

It is located on the back of the block between the cylinder heads.

[Mr. Stacy]

Hi OP,

Have you done a flush and fill? Probably time to do it if you haven't. Sediment can build up and cause hot spots and other bad things...

If you are changing the thermostat, it would be a good time to get it all cleaned up.

JMHO

[rmoreno145]

Originally Posted by Night trained

It is located on the back of the block between the cylinder heads.

Should i have a professional do it or is it something i can do myself?

[rmoreno145]

Originally Posted by Mr. Stacy

Hi OP,

Have you done a flush and fill? Probably time to do it if you haven't. Sediment can build up and cause hot spots and other bad things...

If you are changing the thermostat, it would be a good time to get it all cleaned up.

JMHO

Good suggestion i will be doing that thanks.