If it overheats rather quickly, it probably means that your thermostat is stuck shut. This means that the coolant is not circulating and the temp sensor picks up the temperature of the hot cooling jacket around the engine. An easy test for this is to get a friend to sit in the driver's seat to monitor the temperature gauge. Remove the cap on the coolant reservoir and start the car. Put your hand over the hole and have your friend shout out when the temperature starts to raise. If you haven't felt any suction against your hand by this point, then the thermostat is not opening. Replace the thermostat. You can also remove the thermostat and place it in a pan of water that is just under boiling. If it doesn't open, same thing.
Does it have electric cooling fans? Are they kicking on when the temp gets up to 200? Is the water pump working? By this I mean do you see water flow thru the radiator. The pump impeller can actually dissolve over time, but the seals hold and you can't tell it's defective by looking for a leak.
When does it overheat? Really need to know when to even start to get an idea. Idling? Cruising at constant speed on freeway? Both? AC on or off?
I suggest you check the workings of the cooling fan. Or more like the non workings of the fan.
could be a cooling fan problem... a water pump problem or a thermostat problem.. or just plain low on fluid....
go to a mechanic son
I have an 1995 Nissain sentra and keeps overheating really fast. I know it's not the head gasket that's bad, can you please give me any suggestions !?
