sw2 overheating, head gasket leak, how to keep cool
#1
sw2 overheating, head gasket leak, how to keep cool
I am a womanwith no auto repair experience, currently in Bellingham Mass; have a 96 Saturn SW2 wagon, 146,000 miles. Had thermostat replaced month ago by garage #1 because car kept overheating every quarter mile. Garage #1 said it was not a water pump problem (I had replaced the pump 18 months ago). Worked for a week, went back to overheating. Garage #2 a Tech something or other franchise in Medway) charged me $87 to diagnose; said it had a leak in the head gasket and they couldn't tell if there was anything worse than that; said 1200 to fix. I am unemployed and cant swing that at all. Car also needs exhaust, they said 1100 for that, front to back.
So I am looking for a new used car. Cheap as I can find that is still clean and doesn't need any major repairs. My question is: how to keep saturn running so that I can use it for short distances until I can get a different car? How do I keep the engine core cool? I put in water constantly (can't afford to keep putting in antifreeze). I drive in 1/8 to 1/4 mile increments and then stop and let the fan cool the engine off, then go a bit further. Otherwise I would be stranded, no public transportation out this way. But lately even the battery has had trouble turning over. Two jumps today already. I go a few blocks, thermostat goes red. Is there any thing else I can do to keep it cool? Or at least cooler?
Thanks for all help.
Cindy
So I am looking for a new used car. Cheap as I can find that is still clean and doesn't need any major repairs. My question is: how to keep saturn running so that I can use it for short distances until I can get a different car? How do I keep the engine core cool? I put in water constantly (can't afford to keep putting in antifreeze). I drive in 1/8 to 1/4 mile increments and then stop and let the fan cool the engine off, then go a bit further. Otherwise I would be stranded, no public transportation out this way. But lately even the battery has had trouble turning over. Two jumps today already. I go a few blocks, thermostat goes red. Is there any thing else I can do to keep it cool? Or at least cooler?
Thanks for all help.
Cindy
#2
If you're overheating every 1/4 mile or so (assuming you started with a full radiator) and no airlocks in the system (major areas with air and no water) - I seriously doubt that your engine will survive for very much longer. Sorry, but that's the way I interpret your description.
Also, if you're overheating that quickly - it's not a small hole in the head gasket - its a big one.
Battery is starting to act up because you are constantly starting the engine, but not running long enough to recharge the battery
Also, if you're overheating that quickly - it's not a small hole in the head gasket - its a big one.
Battery is starting to act up because you are constantly starting the engine, but not running long enough to recharge the battery
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
YeahSureHAHA
Saturn L Series Sedans & Wagons
1
04-02-2006 05:51 AM