Runs hot

2002 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
163,000 MILES
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DARLENE SMITH
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  • 4 POSTS
Car had run hot. Changed radiator. Ran fine, then overheated again, then quit. No knocking. What could it be?
Dec 28, 2019 at 6:17 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

When you say it quit, do you mean the engine won't run or it quit overheating? If it overheated again after the work was done, I need to know if the thermostat was replaced, if the cooling fan was working, and if the coolant level was/is low.

Let me know.

Joe
Dec 28, 2019 at 10:35 PM
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DARLENE SMITH
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
It kept leaking Antifreeze.
Dec 28, 2019 at 10:42 PM
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SCGRANTURISMO
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

This sounds like your vehicle's thermostat could be sticking closed. Your vehicle has a thermostat in it that acts like a gateway, opening when the coolant reaches a certain temperature and allows the coolant to be able to flow around the engine cooling it. It then closed again and the whole process starts over. This is done to keep the coolant hot enough to heat your vehicle's heater and defroster. Here is a generic guide on how to change a thermostat below:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

I have included in the diagrams down below I have included the Original Equipment Manufacturer[OEM] part number and the instructions for the removal and installation of the thermostat for your vehicle from the vehicle manufacturer. Please go through these guides and get back to us with what you are able to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
Dec 28, 2019 at 11:26 PM