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| high idle and over heating | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Sep 27 2012, 10:55 AM (625 Views) | |
| tommyd | Sep 27 2012, 10:55 AM Post #1 |
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So this all started back in June when it was REAL hot out. I went to go for a drive and I got 2 miles down the road and the temp needle was above its "usual" half way mark. I turned around and headed home watching the needle rise as I was driving. She never got pegged out so I don't think it really "over heated." I've been traveling for work and hadn't had time to look at it until now, I've just been driving my other vehicle. Also worth noting that when I parked it the idle was at a normal level. I drove the metro yesterday and sure enough, running hot after 3 minutes of idle and 2 blocks of driving. Also upon starting it I noticed a relativly high idle. Figured maybe this was due to old gas? I suppose it could be a contributing factor and is worth noting. Radiator fan is working fine. Radiator itself has seen better days, many fins are missing but I don't believe this is the problem honestly. I have a haynes manual so I followed their steps for solving this problem. The upper radiator hose was hot when at temp but seemed relativley soft (no idea how firm it should be when running for an engine this small?) I didn't seem to feel much of a pressure surge when squeezing it either but again, no idea what is normal for an engine this size. I did not check the temp sending unit as I'm pretty sure the gauge is working (car is actually hot when it says its hot). Its also worth noting that my coolant seems to be disappearing. I did not see any fluid coming out of the weep hole on the water pump. Nor did I see any drips from the radiator. Its obviously leaking something but I once drove around with no oil cap so the whole works is covered in oil and the spot on the garage floor seems to be on the water pump side but it appears to be oil mixed with glycol. Its hard to tell with a quart of oil splashed all over the engine bay. Seems to be leaking from the water pump side of the motor but I've never actually seen it leak. The reservois will be full when I shut it off and then I'll come back later and it will be empty. When it comes down to it I'm pretty sure its the water pump but not 100%. Is there anything else I should check before ripping this thing apart? I'm still puzzled about the high idle as well. Could a timing issue be causing the high idle and over heating? The distributor, wires plugs etc. were all replaced about 20K ago right before I bought the car. Could old gas cause it to run at a high idle? Any help is appreciated guys thanks again!Sorry for the long winded post! Car specs: 1993 geo metro 4dr base g10 motor 3 speed slush box |
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| idmetro | Sep 27 2012, 02:44 PM Post #2 |
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High idle is very likely a vacuum leak. Probably time to replace the vacuum lines on the engine. Bad gas will definitely make it run poorly but I haven't seen it cause a high idle condition. A compression test could help set your mind at ease about the head gasket (or confirm your worst fears) either way one is probably in order at this point. Finally if you are tearing down to replace the water pump then you should consider a new timing belt and tensioner while you are at it. When the car is at temp you can run your hand across the front of the radiator and it should all be approximately the same temp. If you find an area that is cooler than the rest you've found a clog and it's due for a replacement. Good Luck! |
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| tommyd | Sep 27 2012, 03:50 PM Post #3 |
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Yes I should add I will be replacing the timing belt and tensioned pulley as well. Also will replace the vbelt and my leaking crank seal while I'm at it. I will check the radiator when I get home. As for the vacuum leak I replaced most of the vac hoses when I got it but I will poke around the engine bay and see if I missed any and replace those as well. The idle seems to come back to normal when put into gear. Hopefully these new parts will fix my little bean and I can go back to efficient driving, albeit slow driving....I hate this 3 speed slusher... |
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| Econorodder | Sep 27 2012, 04:13 PM Post #4 |
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Have you checked your thermostat, it sounds like it could be stuck shut. Have you had to add coolant? |
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