Changed cracked radiator to a used one, overheating persists sometimes

Hi all,

I recently changed a cracked radiator on my 92 SVX. I got a used one from the Internet ($200 including shipping).

Now that the radiator is changed I still notice some overheating after 20 or so miles (especially if I go 100-110 mph).

Can anybody suggest an additional cooling system I can put?
Maybe I need to replace the thermostat or the water pump?

Ideas?

Thanks a bunch!

CHeers,

Bando

P.S. I've tried it with the AC on and off... pretty much the same result - overheating persists.

[SVXer95]

Does the fan assembly operate properly?

I believe the fan works just fine... my mechanic got it off my previous radiator. I'll check on it though... thanks

[svx_commuter]

Oh I do not want to bring this up but it is a possiblity of the what could cause the overheating as Gary had the same problem. It may be a head gasket leak. Not a very big one but still it could be the problem. Does the temperature gauge just sort of float up and then slide back down? His would do it at idle sometimes. It was believed that the leak was exhaust gas right into the passage that lead to the coolant sensor.

I also know another guy that a bigger leak. His SVX would use about a quart of coolant a day. The car ran great and he had been driving it for 4 months. It's not easy to find when it's small.

[SVXer95]

You should be able to smell a leaky head gasket in the exhaust. It will have a sweet smell. You will also be puffing white smoke. Though, if the leak is small, very hard to tell.

When is the last time the waterpump and thermostat were changed? How many miles are on the car?

118K miles on the car.
Don't know about the thermostat and water pump, I bought this a couple of months ago.

I only know the tranny was rebuilt at AAMCO 2 years ago for $2,400.

B.

I REALLLLY hope it's not the head gasket...

As the car has 118k, it's just about time for a timing belt change anyway. Since it takes so long to get into the timing belt area, it's a good idea to do several things while there.

- Timing belt replacement: about $75 - 80
- Timing belt tensioner replacement (some need replacement sooner than others. Sort of a "cheap insurance" investment): about $80 - 90
- Water pump replacement (along with new pump assembly gaskets): about $85 - 95
- Thermostat replacement (don't forget the thermostat assembly gasket - like I did ): about $15 - 20
- Cam seal and crank seals replacements (apparently these are a fairly common problem for oil leakage): about $15 - 20
- New timing belt cover gaskets: about $45 - 50

A lot of these parts are fairly cheap, it just takes a long time to get to them. You can do the work yourself, and pay about $350 for parts. Otherwise, a dealer or mechanic will do it for about $600 - 650 for parts plus labor.

I would definitely suggest doing at least the timing belt, water pump, and thermostat. The pump or thermo just might fix your problem.

Originally posted by SVXer95
You should be able to smell a leaky head gasket in the exhaust. It will have a sweet smell. You will also be puffing white smoke. Though, if the leak is small, very hard to tell.

When is the last time the waterpump and thermostat were changed? How many miles are on the car?

If the gasket has an external leak, you will not see/smell anything in the exhaust.

Mike