Hey, I have just purchased a 93 Saturn SC2 DOHC. I only paid 700 so I expected some glitches, but the previous owner didn't mention anything about it overheating. I took it to a MIDAS and they tested it and put about 350 dollars in it to stop it from overheating and it is still doing it. Here is what I know:
Midas replaced the thermostat and bypassed the sensor that kicks the fan on, because it didn't seem to be working, they installed a switch that leaves the fan on constantly while the car is on. They pressure tested the entire system and there are no leaks. Fluid is pumping through it fine, so the water pump appears to be fine.
If I start it up and let it sit, it goes to about the half way mark on the heat gauge and stays there and does not overheat. But once I start to drive it, it creeps above half way mark untill I stop at a stop sign or traffic light and then the heat gauge creeps up to the 3/4 mark and higher, that is when the overfill tank starts to overfill and sprays the engine with coolant and I start to get steam/smoke from the coolant on the engine.
So far it hasn't hit the actual red indicator on the gauge but it gets close enough and the overfill tank starts releasing coolant. The coolant indicator light just started comming on last night, but I think it is because I am low on coolant from it comming out of the overfill tank.
Midas thinks it is an electrical problem, but since they bypassed the fan, what other electrical components are involved with the coolant system. I have had vehicles in the past overheat and have had head gaskets blown because of it. So I don't want to take any chances, but I am also not convinced it is an electrical problem, although to be honest I do not know what all electrical components are involved.
PLEASE HELP and provide any suggestions or tips you can think of. This is the only transportation I have to get to work and need it to last at least a few months till tax return.
I thank you in advance for any suggestions or advice you can give,
Tim