Did this mechanic run any tests or did he just try to scare you away? Before you begin throwing money at the problem try a few things.
1.) Run the engine with the coolant tank's cap off and peer down into it. Are there any bubbles? Maybe a blown head gasket. Which side? That will involve testing each cylinder for compression or leakdown.
2.) While peering, was the coolant reddish pink? Have you topped it off with good old green antifreeze or did you use the recquired Dexcool? Mixing the two will create a gooey gel that will clog the radiator and maybe the heater core if you've used the heating system.
3.) If the coolant tank has a light brownish milky colored residue floating around inside you may have a leaking oil cooler. The cooler is submerged in a coolant passage within the engine block, under the intake plenum. Remove the oil fill cap and dipstick, They may also show signs of this creamy junk. This stuff will clog the radiator too.
4.) Loosen the radiator hose and pull it off. Start the engine. Does coolant flow? No? Could be a water pump. The Catera has three. One engine driven pump, one electric auxiliary pump behind the radiator, and another for the heater core.
They should be enough to start you in the right direction. Never walk up to a mechanic without knowing a little about the problem. "It's a sign of weakness."
Read these threads. They cover some of what Lakesidedrive did to his Catera to solve his overheating problem. Use the search engine to find more info.
Main Water Pump Replacement
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forum...rron-forum/146703-water-pump-replacement.html
Aux Water Pump
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forum...-coolant-temp-running-warmer-than-normal.html
Cooling system
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forum...um/110459-my-cat-lives-again.html#post1127937
1.) Run the engine with the coolant tank's cap off and peer down into it. Are there any bubbles? Maybe a blown head gasket. Which side? That will involve testing each cylinder for compression or leakdown.
2.) While peering, was the coolant reddish pink? Have you topped it off with good old green antifreeze or did you use the recquired Dexcool? Mixing the two will create a gooey gel that will clog the radiator and maybe the heater core if you've used the heating system.
3.) If the coolant tank has a light brownish milky colored residue floating around inside you may have a leaking oil cooler. The cooler is submerged in a coolant passage within the engine block, under the intake plenum. Remove the oil fill cap and dipstick, They may also show signs of this creamy junk. This stuff will clog the radiator too.
4.) Loosen the radiator hose and pull it off. Start the engine. Does coolant flow? No? Could be a water pump. The Catera has three. One engine driven pump, one electric auxiliary pump behind the radiator, and another for the heater core.
They should be enough to start you in the right direction. Never walk up to a mechanic without knowing a little about the problem. "It's a sign of weakness."
Read these threads. They cover some of what Lakesidedrive did to his Catera to solve his overheating problem. Use the search engine to find more info.
Main Water Pump Replacement
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forum...rron-forum/146703-water-pump-replacement.html
Aux Water Pump
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forum...-coolant-temp-running-warmer-than-normal.html
Cooling system
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forum...um/110459-my-cat-lives-again.html#post1127937
