Cooling issue on Chevrolet

Question

I own two chevrolet Impal LS models, a 2001 and a 2002, The 2001 has 104,000 miles on it and the 2002 has 118,000 miles on it. The 2001 when driving in traffic or going into the mountains starts running about 30-40 degrees hotter than the other car. Both have had new water pumps istalled the coolant has been flushed on both, new radiator caps on both, and new coolant sensors, but the 2001 seems to run hotter, both have a 180 degree thermostats in them. Any suggestions on what to do next on the 2001 model?

Answer 1

First you need to get a antifreeze tester some more antifreeze.

No1 Try to check the coolant with the tester and keep topping it off but don't add more antifreeze and then to -40c, plus I highly recommend once you've the problem solved and the right mixture that you either premix your coolant or you buy premixed coolant to add in future when and if needed.

Plus check the rad , rad hoses , heater core hoses , the water pump's pulley shaft and it's base, look under the car for leaks, along engine , under engine , along gaskets.I suggest you do this check before starting the rest of the testing listed and again afterwards too.

No2 Run the car from a cold start then squeeze the top rad hose wearing a pair of gloves.

No3 Watch and listen for the fan to engage within a few Min's of engine idling.

No4 If the squeezed hose starts to have pressure building up the thermostat is is okay but if it doesn't then change the thermostat asap.

No5 If the fan doesn't engage after the engine is idling for about 5 Min's or so check the fan , the fan relays, fuses under the hood and it's ground, it's connections and the temperature sensor.

No6 If the thermostat and fan are working and no over heating and slower speeds but on hwy it over heats then it's the water pump more then likely.

No6 Could be a clogged system such as lower rad clogged or some kind of air clog even in the system.

6A Try bleeding the coolant system either by provided air breathers or via the over flow or rad cap.

6B You can drain the rad and it's hoses and then run a lawn hose at medium pressure into the top of the rad and see how the water flows through the rad.

6C Have the coolant system pressure checked by a reliable mechanic.

Hope that helps and best of luck.By the way it either sounds like a bad thermostat , improper coolant mixture or a fan problem to me.

Answer 2

Is your thermostat working properly? how about your fan? does it turn on and when it's supposed to? make sure that  a fuse isn't out before replacingf anything. good luck

Answer 3

Replace the thermostat, not the one in the cap but in the engine. You can also run a lower thermostat. Also make sure the fan is kicking on. Remember one fan is supposed to come on with the air conditioner.

Answer 4

You really have a good question. It may not be nothing beside's that there are  two different engine,  You know that one may have been running with the timing just a hair higher then the other one.The fans could be moving the air a bit different,it might be that one gauge is off just a little more then the other one.Your a/c compressor could  be making one of the engine's  work harder then the other one.

Answer 5

Several 2001 GM ( including Chevy and Pontiac ) had the wrong radiator installed. On these cars, the radiator cap fits too tight, which forces the coolant pressure up, causing coolant loss and overheating.