1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
My 1994 non-turbo CSE.... Traveling on the PA Turnpike on a road trip, I looked down and noticed the temperature needle off the scale (clear above the red range). I was doing 70mph uphill with a bike on the roof rack. I turned the vents on high heat and indeed it was scorching heat coming out. I was hoping that turning the vents on high would bring the temperature down. No check engine light... so I thought perhaps it was safe to drive a couple minutes to see if it cool off. But, the temp needle didn't budge. I was traveling in a convoy with two other vehicles and called via cell phone to say, take the next exit, but going up the next hill, the car began to lose power. I pulled into an emergency pull-over area and shut it down. Steam and coolant pushing past the overflow tank cap, and steam coming from the front drivers side of the engine (down low). Pulled engine oil dipstick and the oil was in good shape but some steam coming out of tube. I let it cool for about 10 minutes and started it up. Sounded like silverware in a pot. Ugh. It idled badly for about 20 seconds then quit. So, it's basically toast. Called AAA and they said since I was on the turnpike, the turnpike authority / people had to coordinate a tow. AAA transferred me to the turnpike dispatch and someone was there within about 5 minutes (one of those trucks that says State Farm on it). Flat bed showed up about 20 minutes later. They're going to tow it back to DC tomorrow... then I'll likely be donating the vehicle. I was able to continue with my trip.
I think the thermostat must have failed to open, or maybe a clogged radiator. Oh well. I'm a Saab hoarder so this is one way to clear some driveway space :/
posted by 64.90.210...
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