running hot
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: jeffersonville indiana
running hot
I just purchased a 02 C5 with 37,000 miles and when I get out after a drive I can smell a little anti freeze and the coolant seems like it is boiling. I know these cars run hot, but this doesn't seem right to me. I talked to the previous owner and he said the car had no issues. I bought it from a dealership so he had nothing to gain by telling me that. Could he just not have known. I am not a mechanic but can do some repair work. Any thoughts? The needle moves a little but never gets close to red.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
I just purchased a 02 C5 with 37,000 miles and when I get out after a drive I can smell a little anti freeze and the coolant seems like it is boiling. I know these cars run hot, but this doesn't seem right to me. I talked to the previous owner and he said the car had no issues. I bought it from a dealership so he had nothing to gain by telling me that. Could he just not have known. I am not a mechanic but can do some repair work. Any thoughts? The needle moves a little but never gets close to red.
What are the temps and at what speed?
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,752
Likes: 3,267
From: Phoenix area, AZ
Try cleaning out the front of the radiator and condenser. Dirt, grass, leaves, and anything else you happen to run over get sucked up like a vacuum and can block the cooling fins, which causes an increase in running temperatures.
If you are smelling coolant you should start keeping an eye on your coolant level. If you are losing any you should check the overflow tank for leaks, as this is one of the most common causes. The seams on the plastic ends can develop leaks over time as well.
If you are smelling coolant you should start keeping an eye on your coolant level. If you are losing any you should check the overflow tank for leaks, as this is one of the most common causes. The seams on the plastic ends can develop leaks over time as well.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: jeffersonville indiana
conclusion
Turns out there was a small crack in the coolant overflow tank right where the hose slides on. Once we changed coolant and filled it up and the thermostat opened it started shooting out. A new GM tank on the way.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,141
Likes: 4,156
From: Kannapolis NC
I don't know how much you've driven since replacement, but it's possible you have some coolant pooling or some residue from before. I'd drive it a little before I came to any conclusion. I'd also post what temp the car is running at on the highway and in traffic so we can see if there is actually an issue with temp.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: jeffersonville indiana
The temp is pretty stable between 220 to 230. haven't driven the a lot, but I would think any residual would be gone. The water pump may be a good idea, but it seems I can smell it when it is running also.
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