Engine has had extreem heat

gmbwrenchn · #1 01-19-2006, 08:37 PM

My son decided to continue to drive my 95 Grand Am 2.3Ltr. car with 110k miles on it, while the temp gauge rose to over 280*F. Yes, I KNOW, GREAT. He had blown a hose, and drove it on the freeway for about 5miles,most likely without any coolant in it. I repaired the hose and filled it up with fluid, and it starts and runs fine,{for about two days} until a day ago when I seen a puddle of coolant. What is the most likely problem on these cars in this situation. I can't seem to see where the coolant is coming from. Hoses are fine, radiator is fine. Thanks, GBWRENCHN.

GTP Dad · #2 01-20-2006, 09:57 AM

Unfortunately you probably have a blown head gasket. These will show up after a cool down and heat up of the engine and since the head is susceptable to warping if you change the gasket you will want to have it resurfaced. You should be able to find out what is going on by doing a compression test. Compression on all cylinders should be at least 100psi if not then the gasket has gone bad. Also check the block for cracks but my money is on the head gasket. Good Luck!

gmbwrenchn · #3 01-20-2006, 07:13 PM

Thanks for the response!

gmbwrenchn · #4 01-20-2006, 07:48 PM

By the way.........how exactly is the correct way to use the compression gage.

GTP Dad · #5 01-21-2006, 04:01 PM

Remove all the plugs with the engine cold and then install the guage in the spark plug hole. Have someone crank the engine and watch the guage. When it hits its highest level stop cranking and write down the number and the cylinder. Bleed the pressure and reinstall in the next cylinder, do the same in the next cylinder. Once you are complete then compare the numbers. There shouldn't be more than 10 to 20 psi difference across the 4 cylinders. If there is or one is very low that indicates a problem with the head or valves and that will need to be repaired. Good Luck and post your findings.

gmbwrenchn · #6 02-10-2006, 05:43 PM

Here are the results........1} 180 psi, 2} 163 psi, 3} 170 psi, 4} 180 psi.
Would you pull the head or do more tests?

skibum1111 · #7 02-10-2006, 06:18 PM

If you are able to, get a co test done. This will test for carbon monoxide in the coolant and give you more of an idea as to what is going on. If there is no exhaust in the coolant, your leak is coming from somewhere else, quite possibly the water pump. Its very possible that a seal failed when the car was overheated and the water pump was not cooled or lubricated. The seal will stick to the shaft and get torn apart. There is a weep hole on the bottom of the pump, check there for leaks. The water pump is located on the back of the motor on the passenger side and is most easily checked from under the car. Good luck.

gmbwrenchn · #8 02-10-2006, 07:19 PM

There looks like there is some coolant dripping.........a small amount. Looks kinda crusty too. I think I'm just going to go ahead and do the head job. It's most likely shot. The water pump needs to be replaced anyways. Most likely the timing chain is worn so I mine as well do it. It's the weekend too. Wish me luck and stand by for questions...........PLEASE. Thanks.

gmbwrenchn · #9 02-10-2006, 08:25 PM

What size are those 3 screw holes in the harmonic balancer?

GTP Dad · #10 02-11-2006, 08:28 AM

Actually based on the compression figures you posted this does not sound like the head gasket is bad. You have a less than 10% drop on the two center cylinders and that is not bad for an engine with 110K miles. If you want to replace the head gasket then go ahead because there is a possibility it could fail due to the heat that the engine received but the water pump may be the only thing wrong at this point. Good Luck!!

Unfortunately I don't know the size of the holes in the balancer.

skibum1111 · #11 02-11-2006, 05:02 PM

8X1.25 mm, but double check before you ram a tap into it.

gmbwrenchn · #12 02-11-2006, 07:35 PM

I tell you what, this is turning into a major project. Two days {about 9 hrs.} into this and I STILL don't have the head off!! Getting at that water pump is a joke. Need to move the exhaust manifold out of the way, pull the motor foward, this is worse that a V-8!! Is it necessary to replace the timing chain assembly? {plastic guides, etc.} It's $224 @ Autozone. Maybe just replace the chain?

GTP Dad · #13 02-12-2006, 09:10 AM

Its only $141 at Rockauto.com. If you are going to go to this length to repair this engine then I would spend the extra money for the complete set up especially if it has never been changed. The tensioner wears and if it goes bad or the chain jumps timing then you would have to replace a whole lot of parts to repair it and go to the trouble of tearing everything down again.

skibum1111 · #14 02-12-2006, 11:10 AM

You can get at the water pump from the top of the motor once the exhaust manifold is off, there is no need for moving the motor forward to reach it. When I did mine I took the manifold out completely, removing it from the exhaust pipe and putting it on the bench. I agree with gtpdad about replacing the entire timing chain assembly, try advance auto parts if you have them near you, they had the entire set for my car, including sprockets, for less than buying the chain, guides and tensioner separately.

gmbwrenchn · #15 02-12-2006, 01:12 PM

Thanks, again for the tips.

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