'89 LXi runs great but is losing coolant and overheating! Please Help!

[Twiewel89lxi]

OK, so my '89 LXi with 222,000 miles has been losing coolant and overheating, but only when idleing or moving at less than 20 mph. I have looked everywhere for answers and cannot find one anywhere. The car has an new radiator, thermostat, and water pump. It runs perfect, the oil and coolant both appear normal in color, there is no smoke from the exhaust and I cant find any leaks on the ground where i park the car overnight. I am completely lost! Thank you for any suggestions!

[Dr_Snooz]

What condition are your hoses in? What about the bypass hoses? If they haven't been changed, it's time.

[dacantu]

You should also replace your radiator cap. This is more than likely your problem considering you don't see any leaks. Your thermostat has a pressure relief valve that may be stuck and when pressure builds in the system it allows coolant to flow into the overflow tank nut when it needs to be sucked (the system uses vacuum to pull coolant back in from the overflow) back into the system the pressure relief valve isn't allowing it to return. Let me know if this helps.

[kentwat]

What mixture is your antifreeze? 50/50, no mix or all water? Boiling it away and causing you to refill. As said above the correct radiator cap is essential in proper operation of the cooling system as is bleeding the system.

[Twiewel89lxi]

I forgot to mention, The radiator cap was replaced along with the radiator. However i did a thourogh inspection of the hoses and found that the lower radiator hose has a very small leak due to rubbing against the framing of the cooling fan. I have replaced the hose and hopefully this will solve the problem. Thanks for the suggestions and i will keep you posted!

[w261w261]

I heard no mention of the radiator fan coming on as it gets hotter. Is it?

[firefighterwhite89]

OK, so my '89 LXi with 222,000 miles has been losing coolant and overheating, but only when idleing or moving at less than 20 mph. I have looked everywhere for answers and cannot find one anywhere. The car has an new radiator, thermostat, and water pump. It runs perfect, the oil and coolant both appear normal in color, there is no smoke from the exhaust and I cant find any leaks on the ground where i park the car overnight. I am completely lost! Thank you for any suggestions!

Pull your radiator cap off, whenever the car has cooled from sitting at LEAST an hour. Crank the car without the cap on, and see if you see bubbles. If you do, time for a new head gasket. If it's blown, it'll look like this linked video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD1MY...eature=related