2001 Vitara Overheating

[skinnywill41757]

:angry: Hello all.

My suzuki Vitara has developed an overheating problem. I've replaced cap, thermostat, waterpump, fan clutch. It runs cool for a few miles, then starts overheating when under duress. (going up hill, etc.) I can turn the heater on, and can watch the temp gauge go down rapidly. Also, when coasting, I can put it in neutral, rev the engine, and the engine cools rapidly. Having the ac on magnifies the problem. I had the car in the shop, and their testing showed no loss in compression in the cylinders, and no pressure leaking into the radiator. The mechanic doesn't believe it's the head or head gasket. (It also seems to lose power right before it starts heating up.) Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[freewilly]

Hi SW

Did you solve this? I'm having the same problem.

FW

[Jayzuki]

Water Pump strain. Replace waterpump

[94box]

hello skinny:

this may be an obvious question, was the t-stat installed properly, i.e. facing the correct way (i believe spring side towards engine)? also, is the radiator plugged? could also be faulty t-stat and/or water pump, check upper rad when hot and you give it a sqweeze a pressure surge should be felt, im running out of ideas, looks like you replaced all possible suspects, also, an air pocket in the cooling system can also cause the same symptoms, when the t-stat was installed the air bleed valve faces up,

just some ideas, do keep us posted,

94box.

[skinnywill41757]

Thanks for all the replies. I finally broke down and took the car to the dealership. They tested the radiator using fluorescent dye and a blacklight. The radiator had several small holes in it causing a loss of pressure, and a lower boiling point. They replaced the radiator. The temp gauge then showed normal temperature, but the hood got hot enough to burn you!. Took back to shop, and they found both catalytic converters blocked. (55,000 miles). Luckily for me, the converters are covered under an extended warranty. (the radiator set me back 800 dollars.) Everyting seems to be fine for now.

Note to Freewilly: If I had it to do over again, I would have the shop test the converters first, as they are covered under an 80,000 mile emissions system warranty. Then if it's damaged the radiator, you might be able to get them to cover it too. Otherwise, some web sites have aftermarket radiators for 200-300 dollars. Good Luck!

[94box]

excellent that you sorted it out, never did think of the cat! thanks for sharing that!!

94box.