Find Your Make and Model

my 2001 pt cruiser is overheating. the temp gauge fluctuates from half way (normal reading) to first line of the hot. it will climb then drop climb then drop. have replaced thermostat. has gurgling sound when running normal after shutdown. have had it in to mechanic. cant find anything wrong. any ideas?

carpenterk, When it comes to

Submitted by Old Pete on Wed, 11/30/2011 - 14:04.

carpenterk, When it comes to overheating problems there are basics that have to be checked first. I'm posting the basics here and now so you can see them. You need to check each one and post back the results.

Have you made sure there isn't one or more air pockets present in the cooling system?

Since the thermostat was replaced are you sure the new thermostat is correct for the engine and wasn't installed upside down?

Are the cooling fans coming on?

Is the water-pump operational?

Are both the upper and lower radiator hoses getting equally hot?

Are both heater hoses getting equally hot?

Have you made sure there isn't a head gasket or head problem?

Have you used a cooling system pressure tester to make sure there aren't any external coolant leaks?

Have you made sure there

Submitted by carpenterk on Wed, 11/30/2011 - 14:22.

Have you made sure there isn't one or more air pockets present in the cooling system?

yes after getting back from mechanic it overheated so i called and he told me to do so. ive bled it three times.

Since the thermostat was replaced are you sure the new thermostat is correct for the engine and wasn't installed upside down?

yes im sure it is the right size for the motor and installed in the prooper position. i installed it myself.

Are the cooling fans coming on?

yes colling fans are coming on. also had mechanic check those when there.

Is the water-pump operational?

As far as i can tell yes. there are no leaks anywhere.Had mechanic test everything and he also says its working properly.

Are both the upper and lower radiator hoses getting equally hot?

Yes they are both getting hot. As far as i can tell equally.

Are both heater hoses getting equally hot?

Yes as far as i can tell they are both the same temp and getting hot.

Have you made sure there isn't a head gasket or head problem?

I personally havent made sure but took my mechanics word for it. He said he tested the entire cooling system to make sure there was no blockage and checked the head and gaskets for leaks.

Have you used a cooling system pressure tester to make sure there aren't any external coolant leaks?

No i have not done that but will ask my mechanic if he did. If he didn't then i will have to go get one and try that.

carpenterk, (You said) but

Submitted by Big Block 409 on Wed, 11/30/2011 - 16:49.

carpenterk,

(You said) but took my mechanics word for it. He said he tested the entire cooling system to make sure there was no blockage and checked the head and gaskets for leaks.

I got a real problem with your above statement. Even a bigger problem if the above are your mechanics exact words. First thing you gotta do is find a competent mechanic if the above are in fact your mechanics EXACT words. Next thing you gotta do is check for head gasket or head problems as per below then post the results. Just a reminder here guy, you're not just checkin for leaks here. You're checkin for CRACKS (and or LEAKS) as well.

Do a compression test and post the results or a cylinder leak down test and post the results. You can also buy a block tester kit from a well stocked auto parts store, and post the results. Make sure you follow the instructions on the kit precisely.

Remove all the spark plugs. Get a cooling system pressure tester and pressurize the cooling system to about 15 PSI. Leave the system pressurized for several hours. Now lay down some clean paper towel along the cylinder heads where the spark plugs were. Crank the engine over for a few seconds. Since the spark plugs are not in place any antifreeze that leaked into the cylinder will be blown out onto the clean paper towel. Examine the paper towel for the telltale signs of antifreeze and you will be able to tell which the guilty cylinder as well.

I will do so as soon as

Submitted by carpenterk on Thu, 12/01/2011 - 16:14.

I will do so as soon as possible and post the results. thanks for the info.will get back to you soon

No problem guy. We'll be

Submitted by Big Block 409 on Thu, 12/01/2011 - 16:57.

No problem guy.
We'll be here.
Like I said.
If necessary?
Find a competent mechanic.

pulled car into garage and

Submitted by carpenterk on Sat, 12/10/2011 - 12:48.

pulled car into garage and only had car running for about three minutes. decided to check the thermostat to see if it was sticking. went to pull off hose and as soon as i released clamp i got alot of air pushing out. could i have an airlock problem and if so what it the proper way to blled the air out of my cooling system

do a chemical test on rad.

Submitted by mws919 on Sat, 12/10/2011 - 14:34.

do a chemical test on rad. for hydrocarbons, sounds like it could be a bad head gasket.

Carpenterk, The chemical test

Submitted by Big Block 409 on Sat, 12/10/2011 - 16:03.

Carpenterk,

The chemical test for hydrocarbons mentioned by mws919 is the "Block Tester Kit" I mentioned in my answer. I'm still waiting to see the results for that and the other recommendations I posted. Also watch the coolant in the over flow reservoir for signs of bubbling or "False Boiling". If you see bubbling or false bubbling, it may be a sign that combustion pressure is entering the system through a failed head gasket.