Question: 2002 pontiac sunfire overheating?

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Answer #1:

200 degrees is not overheating,neither is 210*. that, in fact is the operating temperature. If it is getting over 220*, I would consider that overheating. If that's the case,check to see if you are losing coolant. It may be a head gasket issue if you are losing coolant with no visible leaks on the outside of the engine.

Answer #2:

Not uncommon for these engines to have head gasket issues and various cooling problems. A shop can diagnose whether it's cylinder head issue, and go from there. Head gasket is a major repair you don't want to do unless you diagnose that's for sure the problem.

Answer #3:

It sounds like you did all you can do so far. The next step would be to take it to a shop and get the radiator/cooling system pressure tested. They can tell you if it meets manufacturers specifications or if it's clogged or has a leak. If that test comes up okay, you might have a serious internal cooling problem.

Answer #4:

It is not uncommon at all to have your temp gauge read higher than the thermostat value, Tiffany, so relax a little.

This is because the thermostat is in the coolant stream, and the temperature sensor is attached to metal, which carries heat to the coolant, meaning it's in the stream of BTU's the coolant is carrying to the radiator where the fan blows air across it, transferring the heat to the Air from your Engine.

Do this: Start the engine and let it idle. If the temperature rises above 210-220F (the coolant can actually be as much as 230 degrees without boiling due to the pressurized radiator cap. More pressure means a higher boiling point.) then you can begin to get concerned.

Also, be sure to have your A/C turned off, as this fan running will affect the results of this test.

If overheating occurs at idle then check the cooling fan to see if it's cycling on and off. If it's cycling, then all is well and good with that, and you're probably worried about nothing. If it's not cycling (turning on AND off!), then it is probably the coolant temperature/fan switch.

Again, this is probably much ado about nothing, but you are right! It is far better to be certain than to risk damage.

Bottom line, try to make the engine overheat (230+ degrees F). If it does, shut her down immediately. If it doesn't then you're in fine shape.

Remember that most mechanics make money on cars that are malfunctioning, so if you take it in, be SURE it's malfunctioning first!

Sounds like you're going to have a great ride!

Ron Hatton
aka
Gadgetman @ GadgetmanGroove.com





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