Engine periodically getting too hot...possible problem?

I don't know if this is a potential problem, or not. Starting about 2 years ago, my 1991 Chevy Cavalier RS started getting hot (over 220*) after being steadily driven for 2 hours or more in the heat of the day. It doesn't happen when the temp. outside is below 70, and rarely does it between 70 and 80 unless the humidity is high.

Could this be a problem or is it just temperamental old car that doesn't like the heat?

The coolant is always at the right levels, there are no leaks, the oil is changed on a regular basis (I use Castrol GTX 10W-30 for High Mileage vehicles), and the head was just replaced.

Any info would be appreciated

mine does it also, its an 03 however. i dont think its anything to worry about, mine has been like that since i have had it. i think it could just be the thermostat or something, cavs are notorious for having bad brakes and thermos. as long as it doesnt stay hot, it shouldnt be a problem

it could be the temp outside. casue when i went on a trip and drive back itw was hot out in Vagas and we went over a huge hill(mountain) and when we got into vagas iat was hot. next time u have this problem and weather is good outside just role down all windows and turn heat on full to try and cool it down faster.that is wut my bro did. u dont have to do it if u dont want to.

Thanks for the quick replies. I thought it wasn't a problem, but my mom is a worrywort and thought it was.

Thanks for the quick replies. I thought it wasn't a problem, but my mom is a worrywort and thought it was.Does the fan come on when temp gets up there? It should be. Summer is coming and it is not gonna get any cooler........LOL. How old is the coolant, maybe it starting to get a liitle crappy or weak, you can buy a coolant tester cheap or take it to a garage and have them check it. Hate to hear that it got too hot once and it resulted in a cracked head or something like that. Sorry too rain on your parade but just something to think about :naughty:

yeah if the fan doesnt come on chck the relay.

replaced the thermy and the collant temp sensor. Your car should never go above half

my car goes about half a notch above half...lol is that a problem?

no, it is actually very common for a cavalier temp guage to go above half, (there have been numerous threads about this) mine goes to about 3/4 before the fan kicks on

if your car goes to 3/4's then you have a problem, cavalier's have a good problem with head gaskets though

muff34,
I don't know if the fan kicks on or not. It only happens when I'm driving, not sitting still, and with the price of gas, I'm certainly not going to keep it running until it does decide to go up high enough to make the fan kick on.

And the coolant isn't old. Like I said, the head was replaced a little over a month ago. Therefore, the coolant system was flushed and all new was added.

I will just say what my mechanic in Houston said before we moved, 80s and early 90s model Cavs tend to be temperamental. The fan isn't calibrated to come on until the car gets up above 220 (the 3/4 mark). Most of the time it runs between 180 and 200. Before the old head was replaced with the correct model, it never got above 140 (1/4 mark), unless it was really, really hot outside (over 95*).

That's why I'm pretty sure there's nothing wrong with it. I drive it 40 mi. round trip 4 days a week and haven't had any overheating problems.

I just wanted to get opinions.

Could be just the collant temp sensor. If you find it and um-plug it then the fan will kick on. But alot of times that sensor gets old and messes up. It cost like $10 for the part and 5 mins to replace. Don't let your car heat up too much. Cavalier's have bad enough heads, and head gaskets so the easier you are on them the longer they will last.

to add to this, my fan doesnt come on in my 93 cavalier, ive pulled the fan and tested it and it works, but when i plug it back in the car will always overheat. I have no clue where the fan relay is or temp sensor? someone locate them for me plz?

muff34,
I don't know if the fan kicks on or not. It only happens when I'm driving, not sitting still, and with the price of gas, I'm certainly not going to keep it running until it does decide to go up high enough to make the fan kick on.

And the coolant isn't old. Like I said, the head was replaced a little over a month ago. Therefore, the coolant system was flushed and all new was added.

I will just say what my mechanic in Houston said before we moved, 80s and early 90s model Cavs tend to be temperamental. The fan isn't calibrated to come on until the car gets up above 220 (the 3/4 mark). Most of the time it runs between 180 and 200. Before the old head was replaced with the correct model, it never got above 140 (1/4 mark), unless it was really, really hot outside (over 95*).

That's why I'm pretty sure there's nothing wrong with it. I drive it 40 mi. round trip 4 days a week and haven't had any overheating problems.

I just wanted to get opinions.Ahhhhhhhhh sorry for the opinion I will not offer anymore ,but I bet there are people reading this post that think maybe there could be a problem brewing here wtih your temp getting "(over 220)* But your mechanic says it`s good to go so all is well .Take care and good luck with your car