Help . .. car overheating a lot, now maybe new engine?
#16
Pole Position
iTrader: (5)
A compression test is a simple and cost-effective way of being able to tell if the headgasket has been blown around a specific cylinder (that cylinder will read low). I would at least run that test first to decide what to do next. If compression is good all around, I wouldn't worry about a headgasket issue at that point and just replace the radiator.
#17
Lexus Test Driver
A compression test is a simple and cost-effective way of being able to tell if the headgasket has been blown around a specific cylinder (that cylinder will read low). I would at least run that test first to decide what to do next. If compression is good all around, I wouldn't worry about a headgasket issue at that point and just replace the radiator.
Nina made me realize I must explain to my wife that if this ever happens to her, she MUST find a safe place to stop ASAP and stay put until help arrives. Hopefully me! ;-)
Two things to note that are concerning in Nina's description, the car never went to H and more importantly, when the heater stopped blowing hot air. When the heater stopped, it meant the water level dropped below the water pump impeller blade and engine cooling stopped. It also meant the water level may have dropped below the temperature gauge sensor and was not registering correctly.
Last edited by Bgw70; 07-08-15 at 02:01 AM.
#18
Lexus Test Driver
#19
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Thanks all for you help, it was very reassuring . . .
Ok here it goes, so i called them yesterday bringing up some of the stuff everyone mentioned on here and they said it would be best for me just to come in so they can explain it while looking at car. . . .
got there, first thing they said was that I misunderstood them about engine damage . . . that it was not "probably" but that it "could" happen . . . didn't feel like arguing that so just said ok . . .
asked them to go ahead and do the tests ($350) and they agreed to give me credit towards any needed repair.
today said pressure in engine was ok??? and that no combustion gases found in coolant??? so that the engine was ok . . .
He showed me where the radiator had a crack in top plastic part where hose connects so need a new radiator . . . also said water pump was leaking coolant so it was needed to be replace . . . lastly that my thermostat was stuck (open or closed???) can't remember . . .
I guess after all this my car will be all set for summer . . . just not my credit card . .. . lol . . .
Should I look for anything specific when i get the car back???
thanks again!!!!
Ok here it goes, so i called them yesterday bringing up some of the stuff everyone mentioned on here and they said it would be best for me just to come in so they can explain it while looking at car. . . .
got there, first thing they said was that I misunderstood them about engine damage . . . that it was not "probably" but that it "could" happen . . . didn't feel like arguing that so just said ok . . .
asked them to go ahead and do the tests ($350) and they agreed to give me credit towards any needed repair.
today said pressure in engine was ok??? and that no combustion gases found in coolant??? so that the engine was ok . . .
He showed me where the radiator had a crack in top plastic part where hose connects so need a new radiator . . . also said water pump was leaking coolant so it was needed to be replace . . . lastly that my thermostat was stuck (open or closed???) can't remember . . .
I guess after all this my car will be all set for summer . . . just not my credit card . .. . lol . . .
Should I look for anything specific when i get the car back???
thanks again!!!!
#20
Pole Position
iTrader: (5)
Very nice! Looks like I was wrong (glad I was). With what they described, it looks like you might be spending around $5-$600 for repairs, including parts. Much cheaper than how much it could've cost you if the engine did overheat really bad.
After this experience, make sure to check your radiator every other month or so to see if there is coolant in there. If not, add coolant until the radiator is full and you can see coolant almost spilling out (remove the radiator cap and pour in the coolant). If you notice that you keep having to fill it up with coolant, it's a good sign that there is a leak, and you can catch it before this happens again.
After this experience, make sure to check your radiator every other month or so to see if there is coolant in there. If not, add coolant until the radiator is full and you can see coolant almost spilling out (remove the radiator cap and pour in the coolant). If you notice that you keep having to fill it up with coolant, it's a good sign that there is a leak, and you can catch it before this happens again.
#21
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Yes I was glad you were wrong . . . lol also . . . good tips to check on especially since this is an older car.
I think the fact that i was asking more questions than the first time might have helped me out with the mechanic shop . . . i prob almost sounded like i know what i was talking about lol
thanks again
I think the fact that i was asking more questions than the first time might have helped me out with the mechanic shop . . . i prob almost sounded like i know what i was talking about lol
thanks again
#22
Lead Lap
iTrader: (1)
Do you know if the car has the timing belt replaced? If not then get that take car of while they are doing the water pump. Also it will be a good time to have all plugs changed as well.
If and when all these were done then you can rest assured to have pretty much trouble free car for next 100.000 miles.
If and when all these were done then you can rest assured to have pretty much trouble free car for next 100.000 miles.
#23
Lexus Test Driver
Sounds like you have a bad thermostat ($20) and a hose that needs replacement ($10). The water pump may or may not actually be leaking, but given the mileage it probably should be changed in addition to the timing belt.
You might consider this good news, since you'll need to do this maintenance anyways and it is really the only bigger ticket item you are likely to face.
Let us know if you need any other help. There are lots and lots of ways the CL community can help you save money and/or not get ripped off.
You might consider this good news, since you'll need to do this maintenance anyways and it is really the only bigger ticket item you are likely to face.
Let us know if you need any other help. There are lots and lots of ways the CL community can help you save money and/or not get ripped off.
#24
Lexus Test Driver
Yes I was glad you were wrong . . . lol also . . . good tips to check on especially since this is an older car.
I think the fact that i was asking more questions than the first time might have helped me out with the mechanic shop . . . i prob almost sounded like i know what i was talking about lol
thanks again
I think the fact that i was asking more questions than the first time might have helped me out with the mechanic shop . . . i prob almost sounded like i know what i was talking about lol
thanks again
Also, please be sure to have them change the following parts unless you know when they were changed last. This is VERY important and others have already mentioned the timing belt.
Water Pump
Timing belt
Tensioner
Tensioner pulley
Drive belts
Upper and lower radiator hoses
Thermostat
If you have access to another car for a week or two, you could order a kit online that will have everything you need! I know you do not know me from Adam, but you should take care of these items now and you will be set for a very long time!!! (bb430) Most if not all of us have performed this maintenance. My son and I did my wife's SC430 and it is safe and secure! I would let her drive it anywhere!
Like you said, the car did not cost you much but it is worth $10.5k (InLyneTrbo)
This will cost a few extra dollars, but will be worth it! If you do go this route and I really hope you do, take pictures of the kit, then compare the parts they show you...
As you can see, there are many who want all SC430 to enjoy their cars and when something goes wrong they try to help! (LexBrett)
Guys, did I miss any parts that should be changed?
Here is the link Nina, the kit is the TKT-021
http://www.ebay.com/itm/AISIN-Engine-Timing-Belt-Component-Kit-TKT-021-/291487609716?fits=Model%3ASC430&hash=item43de03f374&vxp=mtr
Last edited by Bgw70; 07-08-15 at 04:29 PM.
#25
My 2003 SC timing belt and all that was mentioned by bgw70 was about $800. Lexus recommends change at about 90k miles
Absolutely you need to have this done. I'm thinking about $1100 with radiator work and timing belt stuff. But you'll have a great car for a long time.
theazz
Absolutely you need to have this done. I'm thinking about $1100 with radiator work and timing belt stuff. But you'll have a great car for a long time.
theazz
#26
Lead Lap
Bgw, the list looks pretty complete to me for this time around. There are other items that ought to be checked out at sometime but are not necessary at this time to get Nina going again. Besides, her credit card is going to need to take a rest after this, I suspect.
BTW Nina, welcome to the forum. You ought to be in for a long time of enjoyable driving, not to mention top down driving. Keep us posted. If you have questions about other parts, just take a picture and post it on the forum. Also, be sure to read the "stickies" at the top of the forum page. There are tons of information in those!
BTW Nina, welcome to the forum. You ought to be in for a long time of enjoyable driving, not to mention top down driving. Keep us posted. If you have questions about other parts, just take a picture and post it on the forum. Also, be sure to read the "stickies" at the top of the forum page. There are tons of information in those!
#28
Racer
iTrader: (3)
Hi all, i have a 2005 SC that was passed down from my mom, so don't know that much about it.
Last week it overheated with steam coming out of the front area. . . . shop said my radiator had a crack, but that i probably overheated the engine and that they would need to rework it all . . . the car is still at their shop, but was wondering if i am better off just getting rid of this one or buying another one.
I asked them for a cost est. they said that they would have to open up the engine before they could tell me that, but want to charge me to do that. Asked them to hold off .. . . any thoughts before i respond???
thanks, please share any advice you may have on this . . . . i am stressing !!!!
- nina
Last week it overheated with steam coming out of the front area. . . . shop said my radiator had a crack, but that i probably overheated the engine and that they would need to rework it all . . . the car is still at their shop, but was wondering if i am better off just getting rid of this one or buying another one.
I asked them for a cost est. they said that they would have to open up the engine before they could tell me that, but want to charge me to do that. Asked them to hold off .. . . any thoughts before i respond???
thanks, please share any advice you may have on this . . . . i am stressing !!!!
- nina
#29
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
yay, great to have my car back . . . don't have to bum rides now lol . .. . . didn't do any of the other stuff you all suggested . . . kinda felt uncomfortable talking to guys at the shop . . . . .
plus . . . . this repair ate into my summer cloth shopping money . . .
can it be done later??
thanks all
- nina
plus . . . . this repair ate into my summer cloth shopping money . . .
can it be done later??
thanks all
- nina
#30
Lead Lap
Glad to hear that you got it back and are back on the road. What all did you have done? Do you know what all maintenance has been done to it in the past? That will determine how soon you would want to get the other items done.