Thrasher9905

Starts off at normal operating temperature for a few miles or about 10 minutes. After that the engine temp slowly rises, especially at a dead stop or in slow traffic. I just replaced the radiator cooling fans and I tested them to make sure they turn on so that isn't the problem..
Today there was smoke coming out of my engine compartment, but I'm going to attribute that to the coolant that splashed around during the fan replacement.. Anybody have any ideas as to what could be causing my engine to overheat? Could an exhaust manifold leak have anything to do with it? Thanks in advance..

DennisMik

iTrader: (2)

An exhaust manifold leak has no part in overheating.

How is the coolant level? When the engine is cold and you take the radiator cap off, is the radiator tank completely full, no air space?

Are you certain you have all the air bled out of the engine?

It could be a bad thermostat that does not open all the way. The FSM shows you how to check it, but you do have to remove it in order to check it.

Thrasher9905

The coolant was not properly bled. I'll get on that and get back to you. If that's not the case I guess my next bet is the thermostat or perhaps the water pump?

CMax03

iTrader: (3)

Remove the thermostat and see if it overheats after that! Test your thermostat in a pot of water, suspended off the pot bottom and place a thermometer in the water as well monitor the temp the thermostat starts to open!! If it doesn't start to open at 180*F or 190*F there your problem!

User1

Thermostats which are stuck open can also produce overheat issues as they do not allow the coolant enough time in the radiator to cool down before returning to the engine.

MichMaxFan

I have never ever heard of this. Please explain?? !!!
An open thermostat allows as much fluid as possible to leave the engine and if the rad is doing its job then it will return cooler.

maxiiiboy

Really ???
Please, explain.

The Wizard

iTrader: (43)

As stated, please explain. I once bought a Maxima that was 9 hours from my house. Car started to overheat on the way home, 30 minutes into the drive. The cause was thermostat. I removed the thermostat and drove 8.5 hours home w/o it.

CMax03

iTrader: (3)

I would love to hear how this is possible? If the thermostat was wide open the water wouldn't have enough time to be in the engine to get heated before it got cooled down in the radiator again!!! You need to really think about what you said user1 it's a$$backward$!

User1

I really don't understand it myself. It's something a mechanic told me he had seen long, long ago, when cars were still carbureted. I suppose it's plausible, but it's also just as plausible he was blowing smoke up my ***.

CMax03

iTrader: (3)

Yes he was definitely making a smoke screen to steal your entire wallet with your consent...Lol!