1993 Chevy Caprice overheating

ChevyLT1 · 03-20-2011, 08:32 AM

So the basics:
350 5.7L engine, 191k miles.

I was driving to work and the car started overheating, it got up to about 260 degrees.

Now, I'm not sure what it could be. Here is what I know and what I've done:

Replaced the thermastat a couple of months ago when it went out with a new one that is designed to break in the open position.
Did a coolant flush 8-9 months ago, so I don't think it could be that.
The car wasn't from what I could tell leaking any fluid except the steam/condensation buildup from the cap.

So what could it be? When a water pump goes out wouldn't the pulley lockup and eventually wearout or make the belt squeal? Or is there more than one way a water pump can stop working. The only way I know that pumps go out is when the bearings wear out and it gets stuck.

Also my thermastat has went out twice before and it usually starts leaking around the seal and it never gets that hot... usually just above operating temp.

Any suggestions?

tmusquiez · 03-20-2011, 09:35 AM

Crash course in diagnosis and replacement:

Water Pump Diagnosis & Replacement

I just read another thread that said if when the car is on and you squeeze the upper radiator hose, if you feel pressure, your water pump is working.

ChevyLT1 · 03-20-2011, 09:57 AM

Alright, thanks. I'll check that.

**kingnutin** · 03-20-2011, 08:05 PM

Were you stopped or moving slow when it overheated? That would be a fan problem. Was the coolant boiling in the overflow tank?

suicide doors · 05-19-2011, 05:57 PM

i have the same problem. just started today. 95 with LT1. i was sitting at the light and it cut off. i started it and pulled over and the coolant was boiling out of the reservoir. i just bought this car last week, but it looks like clean coolant. also the guy b4 me installed radiator fans, but only 1 works. do i just need 2 powerful electric fans?

Crime Scene · 05-19-2011, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suicide doors

i have the same problem. just started today. 95 with LT1. i was sitting at the light and it cut off. i started it and pulled over and the coolant was boiling out of the reservoir. i just bought this car last week, but it looks like clean coolant. also the guy b4 me installed radiator fans, but only 1 works. do i just need 2 powerful electric fans?

And for a good portion of the time, only one "will" work. That being the passenger side fan. Thats the primary fan and does most of the work. If you are concerned about the fans, turn the car on. Pull the temp sensor thats on the right corner of the water pump, and both fans should come on.

Also, go ahead and change the thermostat when you get a chance. Thats usually the problem sometimes with overheating issues...

waynes91 · 05-19-2011, 06:58 PM

if u have clutch fan it could be that,one way to check is at norm temp watch the fan and have someone turn motor off, fan should maybe 2-3 turns and stop, if more its fubar

Duramax605 · 05-21-2011, 05:33 PM

Had the same problem with my 5.0L 1992. It only cost me $12 to fix the problem and you already have the tool to fix it. It's your Coolant Temp Sensor, and its the same size as your lug nut wrench with your spare. $10 for the part and $2 for teflon tape and 45 seconds later, fixed. Hope this helps

**kingnutin** · 05-22-2011, 11:15 AM

I love when noobs think they have the answer with such incomplete information.

suicide doors · 05-23-2011, 06:23 PM

i am gonna give it a try..
for some reason when i bought the car, the last guy rigged the fan to the fuse box so it is on with the key

**kingnutin** · 05-23-2011, 08:55 PM

First thing to do is wire it back the way it's supposed to be, then figure out the real problem.

03-20-2011, 08:32 AM	#1 (permalink)
ChevyLT1 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	1993 Chevy Caprice overheating So the basics: 350 5.7L engine, 191k miles. I was driving to work and the car started overheating, it got up to about 260 degrees. Now, I'm not sure what it could be. Here is what I know and what I've done: Replaced the thermastat a couple of months ago when it went out with a new one that is designed to break in the open position. Did a coolant flush 8-9 months ago, so I don't think it could be that. The car wasn't from what I could tell leaking any fluid except the steam/condensation buildup from the cap. So what could it be? When a water pump goes out wouldn't the pulley lockup and eventually wearout or make the belt squeal? Or is there more than one way a water pump can stop working. The only way I know that pumps go out is when the bearings wear out and it gets stuck. Also my thermastat has went out twice before and it usually starts leaking around the seal and it never gets that hot... usually just above operating temp. Any suggestions?

03-20-2011, 08:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
kingnutin 8th Gen Antagonist Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Vancouver , WA Posts: 12,188 Thanks: 258 Thanked 643 Times in 441 Posts View My Garage kingnutin	Were you stopped or moving slow when it overheated? That would be a fan problem. Was the coolant boiling in the overflow tank? __________________ 1978 Caprice Classic Landau 350 2-bolt, stock 4bbl Stock rebuilt TH350 Edelbrock performer cam + intake Dual 2 1/2" Flowmaster exhuast (waiting to be installed) Edelbrock IAS Classic shocks 95 9C1 3.08 posi 4 wheel disc brakes! 16x8 American Racing Baja's with 225/60/16 Pirelli P4's

05-19-2011, 05:57 PM	#5 (permalink)
suicide doors Junior Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	i have the same problem. just started today. 95 with LT1. i was sitting at the light and it cut off. i started it and pulled over and the coolant was boiling out of the reservoir. i just bought this car last week, but it looks like clean coolant. also the guy b4 me installed radiator fans, but only 1 works. do i just need 2 powerful electric fans? __________________ 1965 lincoln continental convertible 1995 chevy caprice classic wagon 2005 chevy suburban 1990 chevy caprice i like BIG cars

05-22-2011, 11:15 AM	#9 (permalink)
kingnutin 8th Gen Antagonist Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Vancouver , WA Posts: 12,188 Thanks: 258 Thanked 643 Times in 441 Posts View My Garage kingnutin	I love when noobs think they have the answer with such incomplete information. __________________ 1978 Caprice Classic Landau 350 2-bolt, stock 4bbl Stock rebuilt TH350 Edelbrock performer cam + intake Dual 2 1/2" Flowmaster exhuast (waiting to be installed) Edelbrock IAS Classic shocks 95 9C1 3.08 posi 4 wheel disc brakes! 16x8 American Racing Baja's with 225/60/16 Pirelli P4's

05-23-2011, 06:23 PM	#10 (permalink)
suicide doors Junior Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	i am gonna give it a try.. for some reason when i bought the car, the last guy rigged the fan to the fuse box so it is on with the key __________________ 1965 lincoln continental convertible 1995 chevy caprice classic wagon 2005 chevy suburban 1990 chevy caprice i like BIG cars

03-20-2011, 09:35 AM	#2 (permalink)
tmusquiez Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 272 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts View My Garage tmusquiez	Crash course in diagnosis and replacement: Water Pump Diagnosis & Replacement I just read another thread that said if when the car is on and you squeeze the upper radiator hose, if you feel pressure, your water pump is working.

03-20-2011, 09:57 AM	#3 (permalink)
ChevyLT1 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Alright, thanks. I'll check that.

05-19-2011, 06:58 PM	#7 (permalink)
waynes91 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: groton ct Posts: 584 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	if u have clutch fan it could be that,one way to check is at norm temp watch the fan and have someone turn motor off, fan should maybe 2-3 turns and stop, if more its fubar

05-21-2011, 05:33 PM	#8 (permalink)
Duramax605 Junior Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Had the same problem with my 5.0L 1992. It only cost me $12 to fix the problem and you already have the tool to fix it. It's your Coolant Temp Sensor, and its the same size as your lug nut wrench with your spare. $10 for the part and $2 for teflon tape and 45 seconds later, fixed. Hope this helps

05-23-2011, 08:55 PM	#11 (permalink)
kingnutin 8th Gen Antagonist Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Vancouver , WA Posts: 12,188 Thanks: 258 Thanked 643 Times in 441 Posts View My Garage kingnutin	First thing to do is wire it back the way it's supposed to be, then figure out the real problem. __________________ 1978 Caprice Classic Landau 350 2-bolt, stock 4bbl Stock rebuilt TH350 Edelbrock performer cam + intake Dual 2 1/2" Flowmaster exhuast (waiting to be installed) Edelbrock IAS Classic shocks 95 9C1 3.08 posi 4 wheel disc brakes! 16x8 American Racing Baja's with 225/60/16 Pirelli P4's

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