Fix My Car

Okay so, I don't know jack shit about autos. I've browsed around the internet trying to find a decent, well-populated auto forum to try and post this question, but all of the sites I found weren't very lively. I'm hoping maybe one of you knows a thing or two and could help me out.

Anyhow, the truck I'm driving is a 1991 Chevy K2500 4WD. The truck has been sitting in the driveway for a long time, and got used maybe once a month or so. I know that it is past due for an oil change based on time, but not miles. It also hasn't had the radiator fluid flushed in recent memory, if that's worth anything.

So anyhow, after an extended period of little use, it's become my primary driver. A few days ago I started her up, took a load to the dump, drove 2 hours on the freeway to get my lost cellphone from a lady, drove around town, and everything was fine. Later that night I was meeting someone for dinner and I noticed the check gauges light come on and sure enough, the temperature was all the way "HOT."

I turned the heater on, and it did nothing but blow cold air. Once I pulled over, the truck did the cliche steaming from under the hood thing for a while, so I got picked up. After dinner I got dropped off at the truck and I drove it back home from that spot taking my chances on melting the engine. I figured the problem would be the thermostat, since this has happened before. So, I got a replacement yesterday and did the switch. The person at Schucks (which has the worst fucking staff I have ever encountered) insisted that I use this O-ring and wrap it around the new thermostat, instead of using a gasket. It's an awkward connection and I don't think it's right, but there is nothing leaking, so it must have done the job. I did notice the old thermostat was covered in a thick layer of orange-colored radiator coolant.

I figured that would have fixed the problem, but alas, it's still doing the same thing. I've done some reading online and I think the problem MAY be either a blockage in the heater core, or a bad water pump. One other piece of information that I can offer, is that while it does the whole overheating/blow cold air out of the heater thing, occasionally when I'm driving and it's overheating, the temp will drop down again and the heater will blow hot air for a second, and then it will go back to it's old routine. That tells me something is wanted to work, but just can't quite do it. From what I remember of high school auto maintinance class (a joke) the coolant is stuck in a closed cycle and isn't contacting the heater core. Also, I've checked the coolant and oil levels, and they're both normal.

So, does anyone have any recommendations as to where I might start trying to repair this? I don't have any extra money to throw around so I'd prefer to try and do this myself, but if it's over my head I'll go ahead and blow the money. Thanks for the help...

Is it heating up when you're idling or at a stop, and cooling off when you're driving at a good speed, or is there no discernable pattern? Also, are you sure there is an adequate amount of coolant in the radiator?

I had a similar problem a couple years back, and it turned out that there was a slight crack in one of my coolant hoses that was causing a slow, slow leak. Ten dollar fix.

Did you look for a model specific forum or just general car forums? If you find a group into Chevy trucks they will probably know what all the symptoms mean and what normally fails. Forums are common for sports cars but Chevy trucks are pretty popular, there must be one out there.

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Originally Posted by squall_vb

Is it heating up when you're idling or at a stop, and cooling off when you're driving at a good speed, or is there no discernable pattern? Also, are you sure there is an adequate amount of coolant in the radiator?

I had a similar problem a couple years back, and it turned out that there was a slight crack in one of my coolant hoses that was causing a slow, slow leak. Ten dollar fix.

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There is no pattern. It heats up idling and it heats up driving. I haven't looked inside the radiator per say, but I have checked the levels on the plastic overflow fluid container and they look good. The levels did drop down after driving it a few times, but I would attribute the loss to all of the steam coming out. Obviously I filled it back up to regular level (wasn't much of a loss).

A leak is possible I suppose, but judging from the symptoms, in my (uneducated) opinion, I don't think that is the case.

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Originally Posted by stormy

Did you look for a model specific forum or just general car forums? If you find a group into Chevy trucks they will probably know what all the symptoms mean and what normally fails. Forums are common for sports cars but Chevy trucks are pretty popular, there must be one out there.

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I looked through automotive forums with a chevy sub-forum, as well as dedicated chevy forums. I know there is a lot more people in one of those places that could help me, but they are so slow it would take a while. TNL has so much traffic that I figured at least one person here might have an idea as to where I should go from here. Still, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to register and post something there as well.

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Originally Posted by napalm

Okay so, I don't know jack shit about autos. I've browsed around the internet trying to find a decent, well-populated auto forum to try and post this question, but all of the sites I found weren't very lively. I'm hoping maybe one of you knows a thing or two and could help me out.

Anyhow, the truck I'm driving is a 1991 Chevy K2500 4WD. The truck has been sitting in the driveway for a long time, and got used maybe once a month or so. I know that it is past due for an oil change based on time, but not miles. It also hasn't had the radiator fluid flushed in recent memory, if that's worth anything.

So anyhow, after an extended period of little use, it's become my primary driver. A few days ago I started her up, took a load to the dump, drove 2 hours on the freeway to get my lost cellphone from a lady, drove around town, and everything was fine. Later that night I was meeting someone for dinner and I noticed the check gauges light come on and sure enough, the temperature was all the way "HOT."

I turned the heater on, and it did nothing but blow cold air. Once I pulled over, the truck did the cliche steaming from under the hood thing for a while, so I got picked up. After dinner I got dropped off at the truck and I drove it back home from that spot taking my chances on melting the engine. I figured the problem would be the thermostat, since this has happened before. So, I got a replacement yesterday and did the switch. The person at Schucks (which has the worst fucking staff I have ever encountered) insisted that I use this O-ring and wrap it around the new thermostat, instead of using a gasket. It's an awkward connection and I don't think it's right, but there is nothing leaking, so it must have done the job. I did notice the old thermostat was covered in a thick layer of orange-colored radiator coolant.

I figured that would have fixed the problem, but alas, it's still doing the same thing. I've done some reading online and I think the problem MAY be either a blockage in the heater core, or a bad water pump. One other piece of information that I can offer, is that while it does the whole overheating/blow cold air out of the heater thing, occasionally when I'm driving and it's overheating, the temp will drop down again and the heater will blow hot air for a second, and then it will go back to it's old routine. That tells me something is wanted to work, but just can't quite do it. From what I remember of high school auto maintinance class (a joke) the coolant is stuck in a closed cycle and isn't contacting the heater core. Also, I've checked the coolant and oil levels, and they're both normal.

So, does anyone have any recommendations as to where I might start trying to repair this? I don't have any extra money to throw around so I'd prefer to try and do this myself, but if it's over my head I'll go ahead and blow the money. Thanks for the help...

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Your master pipe is broken or clogged, classic chevy issues for older trucks and cars. It's going to run about 100 bucks and no you can't do it yourself. It's also a dealership only part. If it isn't that, and I assure you it sounds like it is, then you have a blown head gasket and should drive the truck off a cliff.

"master pipe" and chevy truck has no relevant google hits. but one porn hit

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Originally Posted by stormy

"master pipe" and chevy truck has no relevant google hits. but one porn hit

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I think Biff was setting him up. Wanted him to go to some garage and ask the mechanic to "inspect his master pipe."

Perv.

crap i got owned.

btw biff, latest C&D has a test for best car for $25k new or used, and there is an old 911 from the early/mid 90's in the comparo. They cite the repairs being absurdly expensive. Good luck with yours.

Yeah, I'm already 5 grand in.

is your engine air cooled? (I know next to nothing about which old Porches are what)

Natrium cooled, noob.

I bought, two updated computer units 2,500
A new larger forced air assembly, 500, used
rims (Not gold daytons or deep dish, or spinners josh) 2000 (these are FUCKING hard to find, the lug spacing on these cars are fucked up.

http://www.lakeshorewheelandtire.com/wheels/por-50x.JPG

I think it's a cool project, but I still have no idea why you picked it.
Expensive as fuck: check
Parts a pain: check
Poor reliability record: check
Tiny aftermarket support: check
Curb appeal: These 80's ones don't really have the classic look of most Porsche generations
Chassis: Probably good but how much better than cheaper competition?

Why not something easy? (old Mustang, Wildcat's Mopars, old rx7)

It's rare as hell and still looks awesome.

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Originally Posted by Biff

It's rare as hell and still looks awesome.

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944/951 is way sharper imo.

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/board/a...1&d=1220233538

I'm partial to the 949, but that model looks nice as well.

It turns out I had a leak in my radiator.... It was leaking in the front so I couldn't see it earlier. I put some bar leak shit into the radiator for $5 and BAM instant fix!

So it wasn't Biff's "Teh Master Pipe" theory?

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Originally Posted by napalm

It turns out I had a leak in my radiator.... It was leaking in the front so I couldn't see it earlier. I put some bar leak shit into the radiator for $5 and BAM instant fix!

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Be careful that if the leak comes back you don't keep on cramming more stop leak in it. Too much stop leak and BAM your engine is "fixed" for good.

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Originally Posted by Biff

Yeah, I'm already 5 grand in.

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You could have bought a 400 hp 351w for a Mustang for that. Your tenacity is to be commended however.

Take the fucking truck to a garage.

How interesting...

My Miata's radiator is leaking coolant too... I only noticed cuz I thought I heard the engine having some clanking sound even in Neutral, and then happened to get it oil changed when the mechanics were like, "Dude... you have no coolant. Your engine can blow up at any time."

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Originally Posted by squall_vb

So it wasn't Biff's "Teh Master Pipe" theory?

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No, but him saying the head gasket could go ... is.

I'd get the radiator replaced as soon as possible, the stop leak is really temporary. Once a head gasket goes ... like Bojack said your engine is "fixed" permanently.

Guess it's time to finally buy that H2, eh?

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Originally Posted by Mykozo

944/951 is way sharper imo.

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/board/a...1&d=1220233538

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http://www.chooseyouritem.com/exotic...000/120097.jpg

Since this is a 944 turbo S, I am failing to see what you are trying to say.

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Originally Posted by Bojack

You could have bought a 400 hp 351w for a Mustang for that. Your tenacity is to be commended however.

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Had a 89 302 mustang was I was 21, pass, those things suck balls.

Really wanted a 69 camaro SS, but the cost didn't justify the purchase.

I don't believe anything that biff posts.

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Originally Posted by Kidnemo

I don't believe anything that biff posts.

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Biff has turned my life into a lie.

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Originally Posted by Tsubaki

How interesting...

My Miata's radiator is leaking coolant too... I only noticed cuz I thought I heard the engine having some clanking sound even in Neutral, and then happened to get it oil changed when the mechanics were like, "Dude... you have no coolant. Your engine can blow up at any time."

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Miata engines are pretty stout. Fix the radiator leak and you'll be fine as long as you weren't overheating for a really long time.

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Originally Posted by Biff

Had a 89 305 mustang was I was 21, pass, those things suck balls.

Really wanted a 69 camaro SS, but the cost didn't justify the purchase.

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Why did it suck balls? Since you decided to bore the engine out to 305 (and not the more common 347 or 331 or even a 306) what other mods did you do if any? A well modded windsor puts out pretty damn good power for dirt cheap.

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Originally Posted by Kidnemo

I don't believe anything that biff posts.

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I know I was seeing how long I could egg him on about Mustangs.

It's slow, it handles like shit, it's interior was dog ass, and it's engine is vastly overrated.

BUT BIFF YOU CAN ADD MODS TO IT!!!!!!

After Ram air and a chip, all you can do is drop 3000 or more for any improvement.

The car sucked.

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Originally Posted by Biff

http://www.chooseyouritem.com/exotic...000/120097.jpgSince this is a 944 turbo S, I am failing to see what you are trying to say.

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Not surprising.

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Originally Posted by Mykozo

944/951 is way sharper imo.

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944, 944 Turbo (951), and the 944 Turbo S (just a hotter motor, and the S designation was dropped in 89) all share the same fascia. You'll notice I was commenting on how much sharper I think that car is than the equivalent production year 911. I actually don't like any of the 911 fascias all that much up until the 996.

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Originally Posted by napalm

Okay so, I don't know jack shit about autos. I've browsed around the internet trying to find a decent, well-populated auto forum to try and post this question, but all of the sites I found weren't very lively. I'm hoping maybe one of you knows a thing or two and could help me out.

Anyhow, the truck I'm driving is a 1991 Chevy K2500 4WD. The truck has been sitting in the driveway for a long time, and got used maybe once a month or so. I know that it is past due for an oil change based on time, but not miles. It also hasn't had the radiator fluid flushed in recent memory, if that's worth anything.

So anyhow, after an extended period of little use, it's become my primary driver. A few days ago I started her up, took a load to the dump, drove 2 hours on the freeway to get my lost cellphone from a lady, drove around town, and everything was fine. Later that night I was meeting someone for dinner and I noticed the check gauges light come on and sure enough, the temperature was all the way "HOT."

I turned the heater on, and it did nothing but blow cold air. Once I pulled over, the truck did the cliche steaming from under the hood thing for a while, so I got picked up. After dinner I got dropped off at the truck and I drove it back home from that spot taking my chances on melting the engine. I figured the problem would be the thermostat, since this has happened before. So, I got a replacement yesterday and did the switch. The person at Schucks (which has the worst fucking staff I have ever encountered) insisted that I use this O-ring and wrap it around the new thermostat, instead of using a gasket. It's an awkward connection and I don't think it's right, but there is nothing leaking, so it must have done the job. I did notice the old thermostat was covered in a thick layer of orange-colored radiator coolant.

I figured that would have fixed the problem, but alas, it's still doing the same thing. I've done some reading online and I think the problem MAY be either a blockage in the heater core, or a bad water pump. One other piece of information that I can offer, is that while it does the whole overheating/blow cold air out of the heater thing, occasionally when I'm driving and it's overheating, the temp will drop down again and the heater will blow hot air for a second, and then it will go back to it's old routine. That tells me something is wanted to work, but just can't quite do it. From what I remember of high school auto maintinance class (a joke) the coolant is stuck in a closed cycle and isn't contacting the heater core. Also, I've checked the coolant and oil levels, and they're both normal.

So, does anyone have any recommendations as to where I might start trying to repair this? I don't have any extra money to throw around so I'd prefer to try and do this myself, but if it's over my head I'll go ahead and blow the money. Thanks for the help...

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Your gonna be stuck doing this on your own either way most likely, as any mom and pop mechanic you bring it to will rape you for it being a 1991 chevy, and any dealership you bring it to won't want to touch it with a 10 foot pole.

1st things first. Did you run it with the hood popped, and watch the engine? Closely. Thats the first thing you need to do...

I had a coolant hose break on me a few months ago, but from where I was looking at the leak I thought I had cracked the actual block. If that was the case, I was looking at having to get a new car. Turns out it was only a 250 dollar repair.

Until you see exactly the process of whats going on, your just gonna be making it worse by guessing.

2nd thing, er 2nd. This is the most important thing I can tell you. When your doing your actual repair, ANYTHING that looks too old to touch, probably is. This is the reason a dealership would turn you away. When a car gets that old, you could magnify the damage 10 fold by removing the wrong thing.

Be very careful.

You want my honest a opinion? I'll give it.

If you don't have a lift, bring it somewhere and get it put on one. Preferably a mom and pops that will let you into the shop. Have him diagnose it, pay him for it, then decide if you want to fix it. Even if you have to go to a dealership your under no obligation to fix it there, and if they are gonna turn it away, you can always just tell them its a project car your working on and you just want to get a diag from them. Sometimes they'll let you do it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Biff

It's slow, it handles like shit, it's interior was dog ass, and it's engine is vastly overrated.

BUT BIFF YOU CAN ADD MODS TO IT!!!!!!

After Ram air and a chip, all you can do is drop 3000 or more for any improvement.

The car sucked.

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Not really, for a couple hundred bucks you can get a 351w which is a fairly simple bolt in for a 302 fox body. Then if you want you can do a cam/heads/carb package for well under 5 grand and if you do it right you should be around 400hp/ft lbs easy. Put that into an 89 stang it should haul some ass. Maybe 11s or better at the track? Better if you put some cash into the rear gears and tires. I can give you the interior or maybe the handling but old 5.0's weren't comparatively slow for the time and the 302w is very properly rated.

It's still not a car grownups want to be seen in. Teenagers and college kids are the only ones who should be rolling around in fox body mustangs.

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Originally Posted by stormy

It's still not a car grownups want to be seen in. Teenagers and college kids are the only ones who should be rolling around in fox body mustangs.

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Tell that to all the fuddy duddy mid lifers running 9's in old fox bodies.