Mitsubishi Forums banner

2000 Eclipse 4 Cyl Overheating

3K views 7 replies 6 participants last post by  ZillaG 
#1 ·
I'm not a mechanic but am trying to save a few dollars.

We have a 2000 Eclipse 4 cyl that started overheating. We did a thermostat replacement and a TOTAL flush. The antifreeze/coolant was very dirty. We ran the car for 15 minutes with only water because we wanted to run that through to give it a thourough cleaning then replace the coolant. The car started overheating with only water in it , at the 15 minute mark. The fan turned on at the time it started heating. The water pump is not leaking but I'm not sure if its working correctly. We pulled the hose from the front of the engine ( not the thermostat side) to the top of the radiator to see if the water would pump out but it did not. Questions:

1. Is it necessary to have the coolant (I am assuming it is) in order to keep the temperature normal?
2. Which direction does the coolant flow from the engine to radiator to engine?
3. Does the water pump work continuously?
4. Should we put the coolant back in before attempting anything else?
5. Any other suggestions?
 
#2 ·
1 yes and no...coolant changes the boiling point of water...but straight water should at least work.its not recommended but it shouldnt over heat by itself with just water..
2 from the engine thru the upper hose down thru the radiator thru the lower hose into the engine..
3 yes..anytime the engine is running the pump is turning..
4 u can try it and see what happens..(see 1)
5 make sure the radiator isnt clogged up... if the water pump is bad..the only to tell would be to take it off..(the fins can be rotted away) u should be able to see flow thru the radiator..
 
#3 ·
Hey SRSONE, Thanks for the reply. We did check the radiator by pulling the hoses. Fluid drained fine.

1. If the fluid flows when pulling the lower hose could it still be clogged somehow?
2. On your reply you said I should see flow through the radiator. Would I pull the cap off to see that? Does the fluid flow continuously or when the thermostat opens?

Thanks, Again
Matt
 
#4 ·
fluid flow thru the radiator u mean?

yes when the thermostat opens usually u can see (but not always) the flow of the water thru the rad

if the radiator isnt clogged..and the thermostat is opening correctly and the fans are working correctly..
the only thing left is usually the water pump...
 
#6 ·
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (tightlinezz @ Jul 11 2011, 08:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>
Hey SRSONE, Thanks for the reply. We did check the radiator by pulling the hoses. Fluid drained fine.

1. If the fluid flows when pulling the lower hose could it still be clogged somehow?
2. On your reply you said I should see flow through the radiator. Would I pull the cap off to see that? Does the fluid flow continuously or when the thermostat opens?

Thanks, Again
Matt[/b]
My Eclipse had the same problem. I am fed up with the car :(
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top