Blockage in SW2

What do you consider "getting hot"? What level on the temp gauge? I ask because a LOT of Saturn owners have continued to post here over the years thinking that their cars are overheating because the needle goes above the half-way mark (which is not overheating). So please quantify your observation.

Does the fan kick on when the temp gauge hits 3/4? Or does it switch on when you turn on the A/C? Might point to damage to the fan assembly by that chunk of tire if that doesn't take place which could affect cooling.

Lane [ lane (at) evilplastic.com ]

I agre, he needs to inspec radiotr closer and fan operation. Just because water passes through it, it does not mean the some of the core is not block and reducing cooling efficency. Also make sure the core fins are not bent so that there is good airflow through the core.

----------------- The SnoMan

First off, thanks for the replies guys. I've been getting a little frustrated after putting so much money into the car so I appreciate the observations/advice.

I should have been more clear on the "engine getting hot" situation. It's never gotten into the red or actually overheated. But the engine has shut off a couple of times (while waiting at red lights) while I was driving home from work. That's only a few miles of in-city driving. And if I drive a few miles (again, in-city) to a store then start it up a few minutes later, the engine acts like it's hot and wants to shut off. I didn't have this problem before the tire tread hit my car.

I don't know how much this will help, but I can drive my car across town (more than 10 miles in-city driving) without too much trouble when the temps are about 60 degrees or under. But when it starts getting above

60, but especially around 75 or higher the engine really struggles and wants to konk out. I've tried highway driving to test it out and after about an hour of driving I stopped at a rest area and the engine really sounded like it was laboring, like an engine that was very warm.

Originally I thought my fan wasn't coming on when it was supposed to. Twice when I went into the Saturn dealership they tested the cooling system and told me the fan was coming on when it was supposed to.

I'm not a mechanic obviously but I've had enough older cars to know when an engine is getting warmer than it should be. And I know my SW2 is acting much differently than before it got hit by the tire tread.

The next time I have the money to take the car in somewhere (else) I'll have them check out the fan first. Still though, something tells me a piece of the shield got sucked up somewhere where it's restricting air flow.

Thanks again for the advice,

Jeff

You are kinda on the right track but it is possible that the impact flattened the fins on raditor/condensor core stack and it is restricting air flow through it causing your problem. They make a fin "brush/comb" that you can use to strighted out the condensor core fins if they have been flattened out.

----------------- The SnoMan

Thanks Snoman. Another question: Where exactly is the radiator/condensor core stack? I'll probably take the car to a garage and have them put it on a lift to get a better look from underneath.

Jeff

He's refering to the fine mesh of fines that make up the radiator to dissipate heat. Something you might try is running your heater full blast when it startes acting up. The heater core will be just like a small radiator and can help bring down your engines temp.

Thanks 'blah blah'. I have been putting the heater on high to help during my cross-town trips. I'll check out the radiator and fan for any damage. Might even take it in to Sears to have them put it on the lift to get a better look. These cars sit so low to the ground it's hard to get a look from underneath.

Jeff