over heating :(

[thunderbird0309]

hey my girlfriends brothers countuor is overheating and the heat is not working. i assumed the thermostat, but they just tried that, im hopeing that they installed it backwords and its not allowing circulation? other thasn a severly clogged radiator what could cause this problem? they want me to assist them and im not real sure whats causeing the problem?

[ElectrolysisDoc]

Trapped air in the cooling system will displace coolant, interfere with circulation, and would fit your sypmtoms. Of course other things like coolant level and waterpump impeller integrity are extremely important.

[thunderbird0309]

what are the odds the water pump bearings could spin out on the inside and not loose the belt? or the pump shaft brake? and if its trapped air, how do i get it out just drain the system? thanks for the post.

[dacker]

Originally Posted by thunderbird0309

what are the odds the water pump bearings could spin out on the inside and not loose the belt? or the pump shaft brake? and if its trapped air, how do i get it out just drain the system? thanks for the post.

Well, if the water pump has never been replaced, it's not uncommon for the plastic impellers to shatter. What year\engine\miles?

Also, are the radiator fans working?

[ElectrolysisDoc]

I seem to remember being able to "hear" the water pump impeller failing with a long screwdriver (old school method). Once we opened it up, found impeller in pieces.

[dacker]

Originally Posted by ElectrolysisDoc

I seem to remember being able to "hear" the water pump impeller failing with a long screwdriver (old school method). Once we opened it up, found impeller in pieces.

Unfortunately with these cars you don't always get a warning, they just go the temp gauge soars (but with a delay) and there have been several cases where it's been too late by that time and the engine has permanent damage.