[tha_customizer]

Ok, yesterday, my car overheated for an unknown reason... I bought 2 gallons of antifreeze and put it in the reservoir, and the car cooled down and was fine. After driving another 30 miles, the car overheated again. I looked under the car, and the antifreeze was pouring out from the excess tube, since the antifreeze started boiling... Anyway, I finally got the car home, watching my temps, and making sure it didn't go over 230F. At home, I poured a gallon of water into the reservoir to try to find out where the leak was. I checked the upper and lower radiator hoses, and the leak isn't coming from them. The leak appears to be coming from somewhere in the middle of the car, and drips out of the bottom from an underbody pan or something. After placing the water in the reservoir, there was no leak, until I started the car and then I could see the water leaking from the places described above. I don't think its a blown head gasket, but I'm not sure what it is. The car still runs fine, and still has its full power and speed. Please help me, and tell me what could be wrong! Is it maybe my water pump or heater core? Also, if its the heater core, how much does that cost to get replaced in a shop, and how much would it be if I could do it myself? I'm sort of leaning towards the water pump, but I'm not sure....

 

[Krashed989]

On my 94 eldo there were two coolant pipes running between the engine and the firewall. They began to rust because the paint chipped. Soon after, they sprung leaks. I replaced them with two red rubber hoses.

You can see them in this pic...


http://www.cadillacforums.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/4351/size/big/ppuser/16457


I wonder if this could be the same problem that you're experiencing.

 

[tha_customizer]

Oh, and can someone direct me on how to replace a water pump in this type of caddy?

 

[tha_customizer]

I think it may be the same thing, because where your two red hoses are located, is exactly the area in which the leak is coming from.

 

[ewill3rd]

You should have a professional take a look at the car.
There are lots of common places for coolant leaks on the NorthStar engine. If you patch one and leave a couple you are just going to keep overheating and pretty soon you will have blown head gaskets.

I can't really tell from your description but it sounds like you might have a leaking water pump. The water pump is located under the cover on the crossover at the rear of the engine. Where the lower radiator hose connects you can see the cover, you have to access it by removing the air box and some other components, then remove the belt and the water pump cover. A large special socket is required to remove the old pump and install the new one.
It could be leaking from the crossover or one of the many heater hoses also or instead of.
Make sure you find the leaks before you just start hurling parts at it.

 

[zonie77]

If it's leaking that bad you should be able to find where it's coming from. Get a small inspection mirror on an extension wand to help. Otherwise it's just guessing and you didn't give us much detail.

 

[tha_customizer]

Im taking it to a mechanic today, and I'll post results later.

 

[tha_customizer]

Okay, I took it to the shop yesterday, and the mechanic said it was leaking from the upper block, and somewhere by the water pump. He quoted me $350 to fix the leaks, then he says that my cooling fans have shorted out and he needs to do some electrical work and replace my fan relay control box(which I guess he means my cooling fan relay), and he wants me to pay him a total of $725 to fix the leaks and replace the fan relay control box... Is this wise, or can I do something about the relay myself? Is it hard to replace, and how much is the part? He told me the part is about $150 new I think, and I also called Don Massey Cadillac and they quoted me between $400-$550 to complete the job of replacing as they call it, the cooling fan relay. Are these two different parts, or are they just referred to with different names? I know the one that the mechanic is talking about, is located behind the glove box... Please help me soon, as I need to tell him whether or not to fix it today!

 

[Krashed989]

Just have him fix the leaks, he may be trying to pull something on you with the relay control box thing. Without the fans working, you shouldn't overheat as long as you stay over 40mph (the speed the fans blow the air through the radiator) The relays are underneath the plastic cover the has the fuse panel in it on the drivers side. You have to remove the cover in order to see the relays. Be careful, he may screw with your relays to make you think that he's right, then put the cover on and you won't be able to even notice. I think the relay control box is the whole panel that each relay plugs into. If it was bad, then the a/c compressor wouldn't turn on along with all of the fans.

I hate it when mechanics make stuff up to see how gullable you are. :want:

 

[tha_customizer]

I got my car back, and no leaks so far, but I can see what the hell he replaced! What the hell is the fan relay control box? I'll have to call him on Monday. Also, now that the radiator isn't leaking, the temperature goes up to around 230F during the day(when its about 70 degrees outside), but it stays around 190F at night when its colder? Is there something wrong? Also, when I get on the highway, and speed up to about 80mph, the temp starts going back down to around 190F. Is there an easy way to see if the fans are working?

 

[zonie77]

The temps sound right.

Turn on the AC and the fans should automatically go on.

 

[gust_1980]

check your freeze plugs. i have a 94 sls that was leaking coolant real bad and that was the problem. cheap replacement piece, but expensive labor (had to drop the tranny)

 

[ewill3rd]

Temps sound okay, there are lots of fuses and relays hidden under a panel on the driver's side near the strut tower.

Sounds like he's got you back on the road.

 

[mikeay]

On my 94 eldo there were two coolant pipes running between the engine and the firewall. They began to rust because the paint chipped. Soon after, they sprung leaks. I replaced them with two red rubber hoses.

You can see them in this pic...


http://www.cadillacforums.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/4351/size/big/ppuser/16457


I wonder if this could be the same problem that you're experiencing.

Krashed989
See attached...Did you replace 1,2 and 5 or just 1 and 2?
I have a 96sts 4.6 VIN9, I'm hoping the setup is the same.

Thanks

 

[Krashed989]

Krashed989
See attached...Did you replace 1,2 and 5 or just 1 and 2?
I have a 96sts 4.6 VIN9, I'm hoping the setup is the same.

Thanks

Ohh my, I'm sorry, I totally forgot to mention about the T connection. What I did there was just cut off the end of the pipe that was already there and used its T connection.


I only replaced those two long pipes that ran along in between the engine and the firewall. So, only #'s 1, and 2

 

[mikeay]

Thanks
I have the hose now and also borrowed a pressure tester for the rad.

I will make an attempt this weekend.