Engine Overheating
 

Hey all,

So let me start by saying that I am a very green when it comes to auto work, so I will need more instruction than most.

I have a '99 Z34 Monte Carlo. It started overheating and smoking recently very suddenly on the way home one day. I hadn't noticed any prior symptoms. Now when I start it, it starts smoking after about 30secs (although the temp gauge does not go up).

The only really obvious symptom I have noticed is that the engine coolant reservoir is full. I emptied a gallon or so of water directly into the radiator before I could see it in the tube.

This makes me think that the overheating problem is linked to that. After some searching on the internet, I believe it may be my thermostat. I was trying to take it out so I could test it, but I am having trouble.

I'm not sure how to get the battery out due to the water tank on top of it. In addition, there are a lot of wires somewhat preventing access to the nuts holding the thermostat housing onto the block.

So my questions are:
1) Do you think its the thermostat or something else?
2) Can you give me instructions on how to remove whatever you think it is (thermostat) including how to remove any components necessary to access it.

Thanks,
Andre

Any ideas? If you could tell me how to remove the battery and gain access to the thermostat, that would be a big help.

If you can see smoke in your exhaust, there is a good chance one of your internal gaskets is shot. Allowing coolant to be burned off.

If you aren't that mechanically inclined, this is probably going to be an expensive shop trip.

Where is it smoking, out the exhaust? If so, a white cloud out the exhaust is a good chance of a blown head gasket.

As far as the loss of coolant, you can rent a radiator pressure tester and with the car off, pressurize the cooling system and inspect for leaks. If you loose pressure and don't hear hissing or see a leak, well, then I agree with Chibi about it being a chance at an internal gasket.

if your coolant overflow is over full and little to no coolant in the radiator it sounds like the head gasket is blown. the pressure in the cylender is pushing air into the coolant system and thus pushing all the coolant into the overflow

Thanks everyone for the replies! Sounds like this is going to be a trip to the shop :(

My '94 Grand Am was going through similar symptoms at 180,000 miles in 2009. I've been wrenching on enough 3100's, I decided to take the plunge I changed the head gaskets myself. Since then, no more issues, car still runs great.

This is not a task for someone who does not have the right tools (most important, a GOOD torque wrench). It does take a while to complete (even if everything goes to plan).

Make sure you go to a reputable shop. Also, in doing the job, it will need new LIM gaskets. MAKE SURE the aluminum gaskets are used.