Why is your 1996 north star engine overheating?

Answer 1

We'll start with the least cost and work our way up,

1. Low coolant level. It is possible that you are just low on coolant/water. Replace the coolant, then check the level each time before you drive it to discern if you have one of the more expensive troubles listed below.... If the coolant level stays good and no more overheating, then you are good to go. Keep an eye on the coolant levels routinely to avoid future challenges and keep on the lookout for larger issues. IF you note a leak or coolant around, then you should identify from where the leak is coming, and pursue solving that problem.

2. Electric Fans are not coming on due to electrical trouble of some kind. Could be a sensor or such. Start the car up, turn on the A/C, if after a few minutes the electric fans don't come on....that is the problem.

3. Thermostat is stuck/Radiator Clogged. Flush the radiator. Drain all the coolant out (remember antifreeze is poisonous, so don't put it out where the family pets or children can consume it, refer to the lables on the coolant for other safety disclosures)

Modern cars actually do not send coolant through the radiator until the engine gets to a certain temperature...ussually about 180 Degrees F. A thermally activated valve called a 'thermostat' by most mechanics sometimes gets stuck closed, and causes the water to circulate only through the engine, and not through the radiator. Checking this is a bit more effort, and given the labor involved...most folks should have a mechanic simply replace the thermostat for them. The part is relatively cheap to replace once you have done the labor to get to it, so usually it is replaced instead of just checked at this point. If you have done it before then it should be no trouble, it is typically located where the upper radiator hose goes connects to the engine. There is usually a 'two-bold' hose neck that, once removed reveals the thermostat.

4. Water pump is bad. Ussually the water pump will leak if it is bad. Sometimes not, but over 90% of water pump failures are evidenced by a leak. The water pump is more difficult to replace than the thermostat, so act according to your own estimate of your skill level. Ussually a repair manual or online repair guide will suffice to walk you through the process with some challenge....but about 30% of the folks are skilled enough to get it done. About 15% of folks will have the skills to get it done right with no problems the first try.

5. Recurring Low Coolant. So, you keep adding water or coolant but it just seems to magically disappears? You've looked for any signs of leaks under the car while it is warm and running....but not a drop. For the Cadillac engines...this is usually a sign that there is either a head gasket leak, or a head that is cracked. The coolant/water is simply escaping by leaking internally into the combustion chamber and comes out the tailpipe as steam. (Now, so there is no confusion...seeing steam coming out of the tailpipes is NOT a guarantee that there is a head gasket blown....since one of the byproducts of burning hydro-carbons like gasoline is H2O steam.) 95% of folks should have a mechanic take care of this problem if you note that you have these symptoms.

6. Aliens or Gremlins. If all of these problems/solutions still yield trouble, then it is likely someone has sabotaged your vehicle in some way, either by cloggin up the radiator with some foreign additive to the coolant or other foolery. Sometimes in an effort to solve #5 listed herein above, folks with try a sealant product in large quantities hoping to avoid costs and delays. It will work for a while....maybe....but not forever. It often just leads to other troubles later on.