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I have a 2000 model C5 that was running great, low temperatures and all. I stopped at a gas station earlier today and let it idle for about 5 minutes while I was talking. Next thing I know smoke is coming out of the right side of the hood. I turn the engine off and pop the hood and it appears the hose connecting the overflow tank to the block came off at the tank end. I placed the hose back on the tank and filled it up with Dexcool antifreeze and it was still overheating. At idle, the temperature was lower. As I started accelerating though, it appeared as if the coolant gauge just kept rising and rising until it displayed on the DIC. My question is what could have caused the hose to come off and why is it still running hot after I reconnected it and filled it back up with antifreeze?
Yeah, tend to agree with the air in the system thoughts. The tank is part of the pressurized system. Once you are sure there is no air in the cooling system if it still happens then there are larger issues on the horizon such as a head gasket issue and so on. Lets hope things don't go there.
i appreciate all of the responses, guys! Ill get out there and trying burping the system in the morning. I sure hope this is a simple issue and not something like a head gasket, etc. I just bought the car a couple weeks ago, and its already doing this.
Since i've been sick I haven't been able to mess with it but today I was determined. I pulled the hose to the side and it appeared to have an unusual bulge, so I took a pair of pliars and pried out what was lodged. It looks like the nipple of the tank broke off and was somehow stuck in the hose, blocking the flow. Here's a picture.
It also looks like someone tried using some epoxy to seal the top as well. So I'm guessing a new coolant tank is in order?
Last edited by unkn0wndj; Dec 29, 2010 at 10:47 AM.
Installed the coolant tank today and it seems to be fixed. Highway temps average around 195-200 and idle is around 205. It's still pretty chilly outside, but it's alot better than 260; hah! Those temps are about average, right?
They use to be about $50 but I see from the link to Gene's site, they've gone up. But still a decent price. No, you do not need to order a low coolant sensor for the tank too as it comes with it or at least, they did!
Heat and time take their toll on plastic components. Item 5 in the link below is what you need and Gene Culley's GM Parts House (link) will likely have the best price.
While you are on the subject you might want to take a really good look under the front of your car. I did this last night and was AMAZED at how much junk was lodged up underneath and in front of the radiator!!!! I pulled out three large handfuls of pine needles, twigs, a plastic bag and part of a paper cup. I had no indication of overheating or any other issue. Just a suggestion!
While you are on the subject you might want to take a really good look under the front of your car. I did this last night and was AMAZED at how much junk was lodged up underneath and in front of the radiator!!!! I pulled out three large handfuls of pine needles, twigs, a plastic bag and part of a paper cup. I had no indication of overheating or any other issue. Just a suggestion!
Oh, wow! I heard they were bottom feeders and could get some stuff stuck but i'll definitely give that a check today.
Another issue that I'm having is a slightly rough idle. The car runs and cruises great, but when you're idling it feels as though it's a very slight misfire. Not enough to make the RPMs jump or anything but it is noticeable. Any suggestions?
Pull your codes and post them please. You could simply have a bad plug wire(s) or the connection tube from the PCV valve to the intake. Check the airbridge to insure its not allowing unmetered air to get past the MAF.
Seriously though, you should start a new thread as others more qualified to assist you, may not look at this thread due to the overheating title.