Car overheats(but doesn't redline)

[bonnevilleCyborg]

Hello Everyone,
So on my way back from work today, I noticed that my car was overheating. It didn't hit the red spot, but the needle did hit that area between where it usually sits and the warning area. So I stopped my car, checked the coolant reservoir which was dry. That's relatively normal for my car, so I topped it off. When I resumed driving, the needle didn't go back down to the 200-220 area, but stayed in that middle region. While driving, I had to be careful as it would continue to creep further and further. When I popped the hood again, I noticed what appeared to be some liquid on what I would call the passengers CV joint (th side with the serpentine belt). Above that joint is a tube that I hadn't noticed in all these years working on my car, and it looked like it was near where the liquid was coming from.


I do remember many years ago a mechanic saying that my water pump was on its last legs but like any good car owner, I did nothing about it.


Also, my car kind of live stalled, like the transmission wouldn't engage when taking off at a red light. That's what made me check all my readouts.


I'm taking the car to the shop tomorrow morning, but any help is greatly appreciated.

[haro1225]

Sounds like a leaky coolant elbow. It's easy to fix, and most parts stores have aluminum replacements.

[1oldman]

I think you may have a bad by-pass hose that goes from the lower intake manifold to the top of the water pump (Series I 3800). The nipple in the intake might be plastic too. Mine was. I replaced the nipple with a metal one. The last by-pass hose I bought was too long and I had to cut part of both ends off to get it to fit. I think the Rock Auto part number is 64288 (Goodyear). If you have to replace the by-pass hose, go to a good parts store near by ( and I don't mean AutoZone). XL Parts is the best around here, but they are only local. O'Reilly might be the best big chain store. I replace the by-pass hose every time I replace the radiator hoses. - BC

[haro1225]

D'oh! I for some reason thought of the series II when I saw the part about the pipe.