1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Was driving and stuck in traffic. Temperature gauge showed normal. Noticed the "low oil pressure light" came on. Soon as barely off an idle, the light would go out. Drove car home and opened the hood. Engine was very hot and coolant was bubbling in the reservoir (70% G-05 Zerex). Radiator fans were not running. Turned the heater on max and max fan. Got engine to cool down some to get the coolant cap off. When I would rev the engine, a geyser of water would shoot out. Figure either a stuck thermostat or a blown head gasket. No idea why the coolant temperature gauge showed normal when the engine was "crackling" hot. Also, decided to dive into the Thermostat through the cam belt area as I think it's easier and better access. Removed the TB and idler plate. Installed new thermostat. Bought a new Bando timing belt but it doesn't have the marks in the correct places for the newer 3.0. I think around 2002 1/2 they moved the center idler to the right the which changed the TB marks. Went to NAPA and their belt also only had just the single marks. I am waiting for the Amazon Dayco belt I ordered which is supposed to have the dual marks. By the way, the Amazon seller is trying to clear his inventory so the TB's are $13. I have a TB from Vauxhall dated 2002 but it's marks aren't there either. I buy my water pumps from Great Britain as the USA ones are all made in China and only last me about a year. The factory ones last years!
Any thoughts on what kind of failure I have going on here? Anyone know what turns the radiator fans on? It may be time to retire this car. It's one of the few cars I actually enjoy driving. The comfortable seats have a lot to do with that. Also, I put on new Michelin tires 700 miles ago. I know where a subframe with the engine and transmission is for sale. Supposedly has 87K miles on it but I'm not up to the task of pulling out the engine. My car has 161K miles but 90% of the miles are trips ranging from only 2 to 10 miles. So they are very hard miles.
posted by 73.180....
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