Gauges/Overheating

[Bulldogwinters]

Okay so I have a quick question. Recently i've noticed that my temp gauge keeps going all the way into the red. I would get it checked, except I'm not sure if it's anything really bad. my suspicions are because the gauge will go from about 180 to 260 in 2 seconds and as soon as i get above 2k RPMs it drops back to the middle. kinda stumped.

My dad seems to think i need a new waterpump or something along those lines. when I was changing my oil a week or so ago I noticed a small amount of green (antifreeze i think?) liquid, but it wasn't leaving a puddle or even dripping. it was just on there.

Help would be appreciated! I'd rather have my dad help me replace whatever it is rather than pay to replace it. Thanks guys

[Mr_Draco]

Where was the liquid located?

Hate to ask the most logical question but is it topped off?

When you have a chance drive the car for a few miles (5-10 don't need many) and look under the car at the water pump. On the bottom there is a little weep hole. If there a little near or on the weep hole (it might nott be enough to drip so you might have to rub it with your finger or a white paper towel) then you need a new water pump. When I replaced mine I think it was $180 for the pump and took a couple hours to do.

It also could mean you need a new thermostat or both.

[brandotron]

Originally Posted by Mr_Draco

Where was the liquid located?

Hate to ask the most logical question but is it topped off?

When you have a chance drive the car for a few miles (5-10 don't need many) and look under the car at the water pump. On the bottom there is a little weep hole. If there a little near or on the weep hole (it might nott be enough to drip so you might have to rub it with your finger or a white paper towel) then you need a new water pump. When I replaced mine I think it was $180 for the pump and took a couple hours to do.

It also could mean you need a new thermostat or both.

I agree. Check your weep hole, then test your thermostat, then your temperature sensor.

[danhr]

sounds like you have an air pocket. bleed the coolant system... add coolant accordingly.

[fielderLS3]

Overheating is always a big deal. When you say it takes two seconds, do you mean that literally, or is that just supposed to mean it rises and then falls quickly. If it is literally two seconds, it might be the gauge, temp sensor, or an air bubble in the system.

If it is not the gauge and the coolant temperature is actually increasing and decreasing like that, it could either be a weak water pump or a plugged radiator. Either way, coolant isn't getting through the radiator at idle, but when the RPMs increase, and the water pump is turning faster, it is getting coolant through. I had a friend have this happen to an old truck once.

[02 WS6 TA]

Originally Posted by danhr

sounds like you have an air pocket. bleed the coolant system... add coolant accordingly.

^ That...Especially since he has a 3.4.

[helmincamaro]

My mom's car did that a few years ago (it was a 3.8 though). It had a crack in the intake manifold. It would run hot when sitting still or in reverse but not when going forward. Might want to check for that since you said you saw coolant leaking.

[Conflict]

Originally Posted by helmincamaro

My mom's car did that a few years ago (it was a 3.8 though). It had a crack in the intake manifold. It would run hot when sitting still or in reverse but not when going forward. Might want to check for that since you said you saw coolant leaking.

doubtful it would be the intake manifold on the 3.4, it was just a very common problem on the 3.8

[Bulldogwinters]

Originally Posted by Mr_Draco

Where was the liquid located? Hate to ask the most logical question but is it topped off?

It was right by the oil plug. I'm guessing that's the oil pan or something? and yes, it is topped off.

Originally Posted by fielderLS3

Overheating is always a big deal. When you say it takes two seconds, do you mean that literally, or is that just supposed to mean it rises and then falls quickly. If it is literally two seconds, it might be the gauge, temp sensor, or an air bubble in the system.

It is literally about 2 seconds.

So what I'm getting out of all of this is that it could be one or several things.

What would you recommend doing first?
Bleed the system first and if that doesn't help take it in?

[02 WS6 TA]

Originally Posted by Bulldogwinters

What would you recommend doing first?
Bleed the system first and if that doesn't help take it in?

^.

[Mr_Draco]

Originally Posted by Bulldogwinters

It was right by the oil plug. I'm guessing that's the oil pan or something? and yes, it is topped off.

What would you recommend doing first?
Bleed the system first and if that doesn't help take it in?

Yes bleed the system first, (this might fix the drastic change in temp but won't fix not the leak). If that doesn't change this issue then you either got a bad water pump or a bad thermostat (personally every time I replace a water pump I also replace the thermostat as the thermostat only costs $20 and you have to remove the thermostat anyway to replace the water pump in most vehicles).

As for the leak, if it's on the oil pan then it's either a) leaking above it via a lose hose or bad connection or b) most likely being blown back there while driving. I still think the leak is a bad water pump and what little you've seen is what is being blown back from the weep hole.

[Bulldogwinters]

Alright, I'll probably do that sometime tomorrow. thank you guys for the help.