Engine Cooling problem

1999 Saturn SL1 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 165000 miles


A couple weeks ago: coolant leaking badly & over heating (dial all
the way over in red). So I take it in. They check the cooling system
& said the water pump was leaking. Recommended new water pump &
thermostat to remedy problem. Done on Sat. Car is still over heating after 5
minutes of driving, even with coolant full. Consequently, the heater is
also not working, only blowing out cold air. =(


*There was about a week''''s time that lapsed between the diagnoses and
actually getting the repairs, during which he said driving it around
may have made a bigger problem than before. What could be wrong that''''s
making it overheat? Any response is greatly appreciated.[img]smileys/smiley1.gif[/img]
Edited by: blusaturn1

 

Well you coulda warped the heads, Idk if that''d cause it to overheat. I''m new to the saturn world myself lol. I gota small leak in my head gasket myself, not sure if the heads warped or not, car still acts fine, so I have to drive it till I get the money for the heads and gaskets

 

Thanks so much for a reply!!

I got a similar answer from someone else about the head being warped. If that''s the case, would it be worth it to get a mobile mechanic out to see? Or do you have to take the engine out even be able to tell?

 

Make sure the engine is full of coolant. Leave the expansion tank cap off, and start the engine. Do you see bubbles ?? Cracked or warped head if the answer is yes ...

 

probably a blown headgasket. maybe not at a water jacket if its not blowing
coolant out the tailpipe.

 

That''s exactly what the mobile tech did when he came by and the coolant spewed out all over the place! ...Thanks!

 

BluSaturn1 ...


Sorry your fears were realized. Now, what are you going to do? Get a rebuilt head and change it, or just drop a grenade down the gas tank ??

 

Ocean,

LMAO..I''''''''m gonna see if my dad can help me out with it before I finally give
up and sell it for scrap. I found one (reman head) for $285, not too bad
right? You think it would be worth it or not too long before something else
goes wrong?Edited by: blusaturn1

 

Well, I am running a 1992 SW2 that was originally sold in Washington state, was up and down the Alcan highway at least once (registered in Alaska for 4 years), and is now my daily dtriver here in Mississippi. Proper care and maintenance goes a long way to keeping these little jewels up and running ...

 

A suggestion for the warped head.... you could get the face of the head that touches the block re-surfaced. just an option.