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Auto expert need advice fast! (Original Post) redwitch Aug 2016 OP
I am pulled over and giving it a few minutes. redwitch Aug 2016 #1
Run the heater I think it helps keep it cool onecaliberal Aug 2016 #4
Yes, it will help. Adsos Letter Aug 2016 #52
Most modern cars will shut down if the engine is too hot. tonyt53 Aug 2016 #2
Yes. KMOD Aug 2016 #3
Overheating can cause major damage. NutmegYankee Aug 2016 #5
Yep! ProfessorGAC Aug 2016 #19
Also, if you blow your head gasket... backscatter712 Aug 2016 #54
Yes you can destroy your engine sharp_stick Aug 2016 #6
Thanks redwitch Aug 2016 #7
Keep a close eye on it sharp_stick Aug 2016 #8
If you don't have a gauge just an idiot light better keep the heater on full blast the whole way snooper2 Aug 2016 #9
Nutmeg Yankee redwitch Aug 2016 #11
OK. NutmegYankee Aug 2016 #16
My brother got 3rd degree burns on his chest Freddie Aug 2016 #37
Check the coolant, add water if needed, check oil Doodley Aug 2016 #10
Yes, you will. underahedgerow Aug 2016 #12
I am about 8 miles away. redwitch Aug 2016 #13
4 miles redwitch Aug 2016 #14
Good luck. If that gauge goes red, pull over immediately. NaturalHigh Aug 2016 #15
Waiting for a tow truck. Damn it all. redwitch Aug 2016 #20
I just had a fuel pump replaced, had to have car towed MagickMuffin Aug 2016 #27
If it's a cracked radiator, there is a product that you put directly into the radiator that seals up underahedgerow Aug 2016 #38
Anxiously awaiting update. narnian60 Aug 2016 #17
You are sweet! redwitch Aug 2016 #22
Oh, good. narnian60 Aug 2016 #24
Look to see if any fluid is visibly dripping. Turn the heater on taught_me_patience Aug 2016 #18
See above. redwitch Aug 2016 #21
You want to let everything cool off sufficiently before opening the radiator/cooling system. Coyotl Aug 2016 #23
Hot as hell here all summer. redwitch Aug 2016 #26
The AC on may be the only reason you overheated. Coyotl Aug 2016 #47
At the repair shop. redwitch Aug 2016 #25
Thought for a moment saidsimplesimon Aug 2016 #28
Where are frick and frack when you need them? redwitch Aug 2016 #29
Sad to say, saidsimplesimon Aug 2016 #31
Geez, reading this is like watching a Beckett play. rug Aug 2016 #30
LOL! redwitch Aug 2016 #32
so glad you called for the tow NJCher Aug 2016 #33
Oh how awful! redwitch Aug 2016 #35
Probably water outlet gasket is that something else. NutmegYankee Aug 2016 #45
serpentine belt BlueCollar Aug 2016 #51
DU membership has its benefits! ecodeathmarch Aug 2016 #34
$660 later. redwitch Aug 2016 #39
Good news! Freddie Aug 2016 #41
billing, not billion! redwitch Aug 2016 #42
K&R... spanone Aug 2016 #36
AAA is wonderful Freddie Aug 2016 #40
I may have to try to find the $ for AAA nt redwitch Aug 2016 #43
I've had AAA ever since I got my first car. It's been a life saver more than once. Fla Dem Aug 2016 #50
YES. Buckeye_Democrat Aug 2016 #44
Laptop needs a charge a d so does phone. redwitch Aug 2016 #46
Yaaay! narnian60 Aug 2016 #48
Do not let your engine run hot like that. backscatter712 Aug 2016 #49
Glad you've got things sorted canetoad Aug 2016 #53

Adsos Letter

(19,459 posts)
52. Yes, it will help.
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 05:18 PM
Aug 2016

I used to have to do this on my old S-10, and it would bring the temp down some. Darned uncomfortable in summer though.

No guarantees that it will keep you from damaging the motor, but it can help.

 

tonyt53

(5,737 posts)
2. Most modern cars will shut down if the engine is too hot.
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 10:28 AM
Aug 2016

Some have a feature that allows the car to run, but with reduced cylinders firing. But to answer your question quickly, YES, you can damage your car. The damage will be an expensive fix too.

NutmegYankee

(16,178 posts)
5. Overheating can cause major damage.
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 10:30 AM
Aug 2016

It breaks down the oil reducing its lubrication and can cause the cylinder head to warp and blow the head gasket.

ProfessorGAC

(64,425 posts)
19. Yep!
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 11:40 AM
Aug 2016

Head gasket was my first thought, and i'm not a car expert. But, it's happened to lots of folks, especially if you had one of those GM Tech 4 engines.

Guy i knew had it happen to him TWICE, in under 100k miles.

Those things were notorious for that because of the aluminum and how hot they ran.

backscatter712

(26,355 posts)
54. Also, if you blow your head gasket...
Sat Aug 27, 2016, 01:34 AM
Aug 2016

...you'd end up with your oil and your coolant mixing together into a sort of milkshake that's bad at cooling and bad at lubricating, and really causes mayhem with your engine.

Generally, by the time that happens, you're looking at a hell of a repair bill...

sharp_stick

(14,400 posts)
6. Yes you can destroy your engine
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 10:31 AM
Aug 2016

Stop and let it cool down. Call for help if possible...Worst case scenario after the engine is cool, don't do it hot, add water if the coolant reservoir shows empty.

sharp_stick

(14,400 posts)
8. Keep a close eye on it
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 10:35 AM
Aug 2016

it might take you quite some time. When you go watch the gauge like a hawk it can jump in a heartbeat.

Good luck.

 

snooper2

(30,151 posts)
9. If you don't have a gauge just an idiot light better keep the heater on full blast the whole way
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 10:38 AM
Aug 2016

Just put it to your feet, feet don't care if they get hot LOL

Also cruise at a normal speed so you have plenty of air flow. I would actually pop the hood so it is just on the safety latch myself, 99.84% of the time it won't come flying open

redwitch

(14,933 posts)
11. Nutmeg Yankee
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 10:43 AM
Aug 2016

Have been driving for a while. Nearest repair is 10 mikes away. I will stop and pull over every mile or so with heater going until I get there.

NutmegYankee

(16,178 posts)
16. OK.
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 11:04 AM
Aug 2016

If you feel comfortable doing so, pop the hood and observe the coolant level in the clear expansion tank. Do NOT open the cap though - the coolant is under 15 PSI of pressure and it's temperature is above normal boiling of 212F (pressure + anti-freeze raise the boiling point). If the cap is opened the coolant can flash steam and really ruin your week.

underahedgerow

(1,232 posts)
12. Yes, you will.
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 10:45 AM
Aug 2016

Consider the alternatives. Or just chill out for a while.

Your phone is working, maybe check for a local garage that can come out to you?

NaturalHigh

(12,778 posts)
15. Good luck. If that gauge goes red, pull over immediately.
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 11:01 AM
Aug 2016

Actually, better to never let it get to red. You can do some serious damage.

redwitch

(14,933 posts)
20. Waiting for a tow truck. Damn it all.
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 11:45 AM
Aug 2016

I hope they can fix it fast and cheap because we are seriously broke.

MagickMuffin

(15,893 posts)
27. I just had a fuel pump replaced, had to have car towed
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 12:17 PM
Aug 2016

The tow company took it to their repair shop saying they were really fair and reasonable.

They wanted to charge me $600 and the parts and labor. We Hubby and me checked around online and found the fuel pump for less than I was going to be charged. Called the shop and asked if they would do the repair for the labor cost if I brought in the part. Luckily they said yes, which ended up being half the price I was quoted.

Good Luck, redwitch


underahedgerow

(1,232 posts)
38. If it's a cracked radiator, there is a product that you put directly into the radiator that seals up
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 01:18 PM
Aug 2016

the crack in minutes. I drove a car like that for 2 years... Whenever it started leaking or overheating again, I put more of the magic stuff in. From any automotive shop. Costs less than 10 bucks.

GOOD LUCK!!! And don't let the mechanics try to pull any crap on you.

 

taught_me_patience

(5,477 posts)
18. Look to see if any fluid is visibly dripping. Turn the heater on
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 11:37 AM
Aug 2016

If the leak is minimal, then just turn the heater on. Is the leak is major and you have no fluid left, get a tow. If you have fluid and the heater doesn't get the temp down, it's probably the thermostat. Cheap fix, but you'll need a tow.

 

Coyotl

(15,262 posts)
23. You want to let everything cool off sufficiently before opening the radiator/cooling system.
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 11:54 AM
Aug 2016

Don't add cold coolant to a hot engine because fast changes in temp can be harmful.

You might have a simple problem, low coolant level. Try to determine why if the coolant level dropped. Is there a slow leak somewhere?

Are you experiencing higher than usual temps in your area? Were you driving faster than usual with the air conditioning running?

 

Coyotl

(15,262 posts)
47. The AC on may be the only reason you overheated.
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 02:25 PM
Aug 2016

I had a vehicle that would have a temmpo climb if i climbed a grade with the AC on. I would shut off the AC while climbing and the problem was solved.
One thing you want to avoid when the engine is hot is adding cold coolant while the engine is running. The rapid temperature change can ruin the engine.

saidsimplesimon

(7,888 posts)
28. Thought for a moment
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 12:17 PM
Aug 2016

I had drifted into a NPR thread. You know the car will make it for 20 miles, or use roadside or cell service. Best advise, call for road service at your first opportunity.

 

rug

(82,333 posts)
30. Geez, reading this is like watching a Beckett play.
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 12:21 PM
Aug 2016
Estragon: I can't go on like this.

Vladimir: That's what you think.

redwitch

(14,933 posts)
32. LOL!
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 12:29 PM
Aug 2016

Last edited Fri Aug 26, 2016, 01:49 PM - Edit history (1)

Exactly.

Water pump, thermostat and something else.serpentine belt.

NJCher

(35,431 posts)
33. so glad you called for the tow
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 12:41 PM
Aug 2016

I was once stuck in the Lincoln Tunnel and it overheated. By the time I got out, the engine was blown. Cost was around 2600. Fortunately the car was just out of warranty, Chevrolet felt sorry for me, and paid for it all minus the cost of the new fluids.

Took over a week for the repair.


Cher

BlueCollar

(3,859 posts)
51. serpentine belt
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 04:47 PM
Aug 2016

Would have been a required replacement at some point anyway. If that goes all kinds of bad things can happen so if there's a silver lining....

All in all you dodged a bullet...glad you're back on the road.

redwitch

(14,933 posts)
39. $660 later.
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 01:20 PM
Aug 2016

Could have been worse. They are billion me 500 today and I will call to give them the balance Monday. Such good people! Lanes auto outside of Ithaca NY.

redwitch

(14,933 posts)
42. billing, not billion!
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 01:33 PM
Aug 2016

Although it might as well be to us. I wish we weren't struggling for $ all the time. But at least I can go home tonight.

Freddie

(9,232 posts)
40. AAA is wonderful
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 01:21 PM
Aug 2016

We drive "well used" cars and one of us has used them every year. I buy a membership for every driver in the family as part of their Xmas present. Plus travel and auto tag discounts.

Fla Dem

(23,352 posts)
50. I've had AAA ever since I got my first car. It's been a life saver more than once.
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 04:20 PM
Aug 2016

Glad you survived your incident, a little lighter in the pocketbook though.

Buckeye_Democrat

(14,847 posts)
44. YES.
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 01:43 PM
Aug 2016

If there's no coolant left in the system, there's concerns about reduced oil viscosity and the engine seizing or even cracking if it gets too hot.

If there's coolant, it could get hot enough to rupture a gasket, causing coolant to flow into the engine cylinders which will cause piston scraping/seizing.

Keep stopping and let it cool down until you reach a car shop.

If you see white smoke coming out the tailpipe, there's already coolant leaked into the cylinders. Call a tow truck at that point.

EDIT: I didn't read the entire thread before replying. Sorry about the repair costs.

backscatter712

(26,355 posts)
49. Do not let your engine run hot like that.
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 04:08 PM
Aug 2016

As others have mentioned, you could destroy your engine.

Sometimes, if you know what you're doing, and know you still have coolant left, you might be able to run the heater and limp home that way, but if you're not sure, I would not try it.

EDIT: Looks like you got your car to a mechanic, glad you're OK.

canetoad

(17,090 posts)
53. Glad you've got things sorted
Fri Aug 26, 2016, 05:29 PM
Aug 2016

While not being able to offer any advice, I sure have enjoyed the live micro-blogging of your predicament.

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