Just Wanting Your Expert Opinions.

[jason322]

When I accelerate really hard a light comes on the looks like a box with some fluid in the bottom and a down arrow. Also my cars temp gauge slowly rises if I sit in line for a long time. Like I was trying to go to the movies and the line was going really slow and the temp was going up. Didn't get to red. The second I got through the line and speed up my temp went to normal.

I'm thinking low coolant. However it looks like my coolant is above the line on the container.

[Sight N Sound]

That sounds like a coolant light. Open your radiator cap and see how full it is. You may have a clog in your resivor line and thats why none of it is coming out. Or its so dirty in your resivor it looks to be full but there is nothing in it........

[Sight N Sound]

Also what year car and is it a Z24. They are notroious for water pump failure between 45k and 70k miles

[jason322]

I checked the level and it looks to be good I could see the fluid and looked to be above low.

[Sight N Sound]

What about the year, Z24 or not and milage?

It sounds like it may have somthing to do with your waterpump.

[jason322]

Its a base model 97 104,000

How should I check the pump????

[-Jayson-]

its the head gasket, look for leaking coolant from the front right corner of the engine. Also make sure you check the coolant level when its cold, the coolant expands alot when it gets hot and will make it appear their is more than what their really is.

[Sight N Sound]

It still could also be the water pump.

If its not leaking out the head, check for thick white smoke or check your oil to see if there is coolant mixed in if so then it is the head gasket.

If none of that is happening its eaither a coolant level issue or the pump.

[public]

1. Is your radiator fan coming on at the right time and temp?
2. Check your belt tension. Your water pump may be slipping.

[richtazz]

the light you refer to is a low coolant light. Quad 4's are notorious for head leaks. They don't leak at the front like 2.2's, they crack between the valves. The water pump is a MAJOR job on these engines, not for the inexperienced, but is possibly the source of your coolant disappearance. The water pump is driven by the timing chain, so there's no chance it's a belt slipping. Good Luck

[Mangoamerican]

your water pump is near the front of the car, and there is a hose coming from the radiator to it. its an easy fix. if you need detailed instructions on how to properly remove and install a new pump just hit me up.

[jason322]

I'll check the drive belt I installed a new altenator like last week.

[public]

Good, improper belt routing or tension will cause the problem you describe. Always check the simple stuff first.

[jason322]

Piece of S***.

As I was waiting to turn left onto my street. I hear a horrible sound half way throught and the drivebelt broke. Like the edge of it toar off and it fell off the pulleys. (Didn't break in half.) Well after that I had the engine running for like 5 seconds before I got onto the street and turned it off. So do you think something else may have broken??? It was a very short time without the belt on the pulleys.

[public]

No, you will be fine. Replace the belt. I think you may have found the cause of your temp problems. Make sure you route it correctly. Also be sure to inspect the tensioner. If the tensioner is stuck in place your new belt will not stay on.

P.S. I am not sure you can blame the car if you failed to notice the belt or tensioner was worn out :-)