Hello, I have a Firebird 2.8 V6. Car overheats at 80 degress and above. Like vapor lock. Anyway, everything looks clean, no lose of antifrez, no leaking water pump, no fouled oil. PVC rattles, I have a air damn. The fan works, alot! Engine just gets way to hot, even in cold weather. Where should I start looking? Any help would be appreciated. fb

PS
probably need tune-up?
Flush cooling system?
Switch out hoses?
Sensors Relays? Worn?
Radiator Corroided, Plugged Up?


Or all of the above? The car is 20 years old.

 

Is your gauge just reading hot or is it shutting down due to over temp? Your thermostat could be froze shut, a vapor lock and amongst others. When was the last time you changed your fluid, if its been awhile change it out. How long has it been doing it?

 

Well it shuts down like vapor lock. After letting it cool off for a few hours it starts right up, runs fine again, untill it gets hot again. The fluid and thermo hasn't been changed out since I don't know when. This started last summer and it's just keeps getting worse. I think I will start with the fluid and thermo and see if that helps, it sounds like good advice to me. Thanks for the help!

 

Reverse flush your cooling system. Check between your radiator and air conditioning condenser for blockage, leaves etc., use about 30% antifreeze to distilled water and add 1 bottle of water wetter. Change your thermostat to a 180 degree, Summit part # EMP -301 and replace your fan switch for one that turns on at 200 or 180-185, replace your radiator cap and check your hoses. Your lower radiator hose should have a support spring inside it to keep it from collapsing. If your radiator has`nt been serviced for 5 years or more, you may want to remove it and have it boiled out and pressure tested.

 

first check your thermostat make sure its functioning at the right temperature, boil water put a thermostat in the water when it reaches what ever temp your stat is the stat should open. make sure your getting flow through the coolant system, when the system is cold take the rad cap off and start the car see if coolant is flowing. start there.. if your thinking vapor lock as in your fuel boiling ive seen return sides get clogged and also if your pump is running hot it can boil the fuel as well