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tjprice1
New User
Mar 28, 2008, 11:36 AM
Post #1 of 6
(2890 views)
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96 Olds Achieva
2.4L Twin Cam (runs strong)
75,000 miles
Got car from B-in-Law, runs great when it wants to. Had to get towed twice (2 weeks apart).
1st time: Driving car down the road, engine just shuts off with no warning. Mechanic couldn't find anything wrong as everything seemed to check out, suggested replacing battery as he seemed to find a little leak in one of the cells. Battery replaced.
2nd time waiting at red light, car sputters a little bit, then shuts off. Mechanic had it for a few days to try to reproduce the problem, wouldn't do it for him (of course not!!!).
Both times car is warmed up, but not hot (meaning extended driving time). After car stalls, it cranks and will not start.
In between 1st and second time, I was able to get back and forth to work and home with no problem.
One other thing I want to mention is that of purging of Antifreeze after car is parked and I assume after cooling down (I never see it when it happens). A few parts have been replaced already to remedy the problem. Replacement of parts did help quite a bit. It's just the last little bit of the problem, that's annoying, after driving the car all week, I need to refill the recovery tank. About a gallon every two weeks.
Getting a little frustrated, as I can't depend on car.
Any suggestions, before I get rid of it???
I would appreciate any responses!!!!
(This post was edited by tjprice1 on Mar 28, 2008, 11:39 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 28, 2008, 12:19 PM
Post #2 of 6
(2887 views)
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Even if not associated you must get to the bottom of what the anti-freeze issue is. Coolant must be full at both the radiator and the tank - some don't use a radiator cap so it's a project to know it's really filled there. This much consumption should be causing overheating and how is that not noticed by you? That if not the problem sure will cause other problems!
T
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tjprice1
New User
Mar 28, 2008, 12:32 PM
Post #3 of 6
(2884 views)
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The reason I know to fill the overflow tank is due to the "Low Coolant" lite coming on, which usually goes off long enough for me to get home so I can refill.
It'd be great if I knew where to look for resolving the problem of the antifreeze purging. Hopefully, someone can point me on the right path!!!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 28, 2008, 12:48 PM
Post #4 of 6
(2882 views)
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Anti-freeze purging like that is possible with a few problems:
Fan(s) don't come on, radiator/cooling system plugged up, head gasket pumping combustion gases into cooling system, or really overheating from any cause. Sensor for low coolant might be on an end tank of radiator itself and not the recovery tank. It's possible that engine is told to shut down (don't know for sure) when too low on coolant or other reasons to save the engine. If it never cuts out with the coolant level light on it would suggest there is a system for that.
Get help if needed with the cooling system. If you are unsure about the engine temp itself you can run the heater on high temp (low fan if it's hot where you are) and when it stops blowing heat the system is either boiling or too low on coolant to transfer heat - that's a strong clue of trouble and could be earlier than lights or gauges to let you know,
T
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
Mar 28, 2008, 3:29 PM
Post #5 of 6
(2877 views)
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Anti-freeze purging like that is possible with a few problems:
Fan(s) don't come on, radiator/cooling system plugged up, head gasket pumping combustion gases into cooling system, or really overheating from any cause. Sensor for low coolant might be on an end tank of radiator itself and not the recovery tank. It's possible that engine is told to shut down (don't know for sure) when too low on coolant or other reasons to save the engine. If it never cuts out with the coolant level light on it would suggest there is a system for that. Tom, I'm not sure what you meant by the last sentence (I'm confused!)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 28, 2008, 4:08 PM
Post #6 of 6
(2873 views)
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Sorry - I confuse myself sometimes. What I meant is if it ONLY cuts out when the "low coolant" light is on there could be a safeguard for the engine. If light was off and you are not overheating when it can cut out then that's an unlikely part of this immediate problem,
T
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