Overheating issue

[PontiacLou]

First time user looking for help with overheating problem on '01 Montana. Started about a month ago. Drove about 300 feet and the temp was in the red zone (red idiot light was on as well). Assumed it was the t stat since coolant level was ok (radiator is brown and cruddy on the inside and needs flushing with coolant change. There has been a small radiator leak for awhile that I can smell but cannot see). Disconnected upper radiator hose, stuck a heavy gauge wire in and moved the t-stat to free it up. It worked! Temp returned to normal range/function. Now, acting up again. Could it be anything but the t-stat? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

Lou

 

[melsg5]

As you indicate you need the system flushed probably with a chemical cleaner. If you cannt see the leak it could be from some other place than the radiator. Can you try a pressure gauge? You have to replace the thermostat and find the leak before you can assume any other issue such as fans or relay.

 

[PontiacLou]

Thanks for responding. Any assistance with the procedure to R&R the t-stat would be appreciated. One bolt looks easy but the other one is buried. Any short cuts or tips would be great. Thanks.

Lou

 

[PontiacLou]

Well finally found out how to change the t-stat which was the source of the overheating problem. Anyone wanting to change their own will find that the air cleaner housing cover and the intake bellows tube need to be removed (as a unit), along with the throttle cable bracket, the throttle cables from the bracket, the throttle body (disconnect the two rubber hoses at the bottom of the throttle body from the black pipe they go into. Leave attached to the throttle body as the removal goes smoother that way), then the 2 bolts holding the t-stat housing in place. You need a 1/2 inch offset box end wrench to get the lower t-stat housing bolt off as it's in a difficult position. The t-stat comes with a built in seal so just a swap of the bad/old one and then the process can be reversed. That's about it. Good luck.

Lou