overheating, don't know why

[wildanc4]

I really need help from someone here who knows what theyre doing. My 92 MPV started overheating, and spewing coolant about a month ago.. No problem, it was a split in the bypass hose, got a new one, had my mech friend replace. It was fine for a few weeks.... then....

Since then, it's been REALLY BADLY overheating, and now, it's losing power, too... the idiot lights go on, the power steering goes down, but only on turns. I don't know if they're related, but it does not do this untill it starts getting really hot (needle above 1/2 way).

This morning, the needle shot all the way past the red line.

This is what I've done in the last few weeks, since replacing the hose:
- flushed the system, according to the owners' manual, and instrucitons on the internet, and mechanic's instructions
- filled it with 50/50 coolant (the type recommended by owner's manual)
- changed the radiator cap, because the old on was deteriorated,

Could it be the water pump, the t-stat? any ideas, at all? If it is the t-stat, is it something i can do myself, given the proper tools?.....

Help, anyone? I don't have enuff money to spend on a mech, who may overcharge me.. I know I need a tuneup, and new sprk plugs and such, and that's gonna get done, but right now, I'm kinda desperate to get this overheating thing taken care of. I can only run it 5-10 mins before it starts sounding like a 400 gallon industrial hot water heater....

[wildanc4]

OH, i forgot to add: anyone who feels like sending me a reply:: wildanc4@aol.com is my emai addy... thanks

[mazdaguy]

Most likely a cracked waterpump impellor. They are plastic and crack on the shaft. Also a leak at the waterpump could get coolant on the PS belt causing slippage. I would go for the waterpump replacement and install a new t-stat at the same time.

[wildanc4]

I have a t-stat,, bought a couple days ago.. and a Chilton's type repair manual.. It looks like the t-stat replacement can be a do-it-yerself thing. Can it, for someone who has little to no experience with doing this?

Another q: the waterpump is about 100 bucks. Is this also a do-it-yerselfer?

And, thanks mazdaguy for your response..

[mazdaguy]

The waterpump is behind the timing belt,though the belt doesnt have to be removed to replace it. The t-stat is easy though. I am assuming this is a 6 cyl engine btw.

[wildanc4]

This is a v6, yes... My mech is gonna be looking at it today sometime... I'm hoping the pump does not need replacement.. have another q tho, if you can:

Could the t-stat have been stuck closed when my mech friend replaced the upper bypass hose? I ask because we tried to flush the system a couple weekends ago, and nearly nothing came out of the valve below... Am I wrong in assuming that if the t-stat is stuck closed, then fluid does not circulate in the core, and then cause it to overheat? Or is my logic all flawed up...

Thanks in advance for any help...

[wildanc4]

Ok. Now it's getting fun.

My mech is saying the timing belt, and the water pump both need to be replaced, total cost 350, including 150 labor. I can't believe the timing belt is 100 ( I know the water pump is, i called)

Anyhow, does this belt really need replacement? He did not give me a reason why it should be replaced.. and another friend of mine is telling me timing belts do not need typically to ever be replaced on a vehicle...

So, here I sit, what do I do??

What is the timing belt's function, anyway, and how would I know it's going bad??

help?

[bryanj]

Originally posted by wildanc4@Nov 19 2003, 01:42 PM
My mech is saying the timing belt, and the water pump both need to be replaced,* total cost 350, including 150 labor.* I can't believe the timing belt is 100 ( I know the water pump is, i called)

Anyhow,* does this belt really need replacement?* He did not give me a reason why it should be replaced..* and another friend of mine is telling me timing belts do not need typically to ever be replaced on a vehicle...*

That sounds like a pretty good price to me......

But, when you are typically replacing the water pump, the labor for the timing belt is included. I would recommend getting it done, just so you never ever have to do it again. When they replace the pump, I would make sure they replace the thermostat as well just to make sure that will NEVER be a problem in the future. Let us know what you did

Oh yea, and the timing belt is responsible for making your engine run. When it breaks your engine don't work! The old engines they made if the belt broke it would destroy your engine, but with yours(newer engines) when it breaks the engine stops and there is no internal damage

[wildanc4]

Brian::

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really appreciate everyone's input on this. At least I know I'm not being taken. Thank you all very much ..

[mazdaguy]

The price is fair, the waterpump can be replaced without removing the timing belt. I usually use the timing belt labor and add 1 hour for the pump due to gskt scraping and mess cleanup. Have him check ALL the idler pulley bearings,cam/crank seals and especially the timing belt tensioner. The tensioners go south if the engine overheats. They are very expensive. If you need all the bearings,seals and tensioner the job could run $1000 unfortunately.