99 grand am 4 cyl

[ddgrass]

I have a 99 grand am 4 cyl that is overheating. from cold startup the guage goes from bottomed out to over 220 instantly after idling only about 5 minutes. none of the hoses are warm at all. I am fairly certain the water pump has failed. has any one ever changed one on a grand am. Just looking at it, it looks like a bear to get at.
If any one has any advise I'd greatly appreciate it. Could it be something other than the water pump?
Dan

 

[xtraham]

Re: 99 grand am 4 cyl

Could it be something other than the water pump?
Dan

yeah, the thermostat,
those little quad 4's don't like being hot and the will crack a head very very easy, if the water pump has not been making a noise it's unlikely that the pump is the problem

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: 99 grand am 4 cyl

I agree with xtraham. If it's the 2.5 liter engine it's a simple t-stat to change. You really need to have it checked for a blown head gasket also. IMO 220* in five minutes of ideling is fast even if the t-stat is stuck closed.

 

[aspeck]

Re: 99 grand am 4 cyl

What they said. The 2.5 is a very reliable engine, with the exception that the heads like to warp under extreme heat. Change the thermostat and see if that fixes your problem. Then, look for bubbling in the overflow tank.

Be kind to that engine, and it will give you several hundred thousand miles of life. (but maybe on a couple sets of heads).

 

[ddgrass]

Re: 99 grand am 4 cyl

Thanks for the info. I am going to change the thermostat and hope for the best.
dan

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: 99 grand am 4 cyl

Hey Dan, while you have the stat out, put it back together and fill er up with water.
Start it up and see how well the water circulates.
Got good circulation, water pump ok.

 

[ddgrass]

Re: 99 grand am 4 cyl

I changed the thermostat and it seems to be working well.
Threw me quite a curveball with it being at the waterpump instead of the water outlet!! Thanks for the help guys.
Dan

 

[xtraham]

Re: 99 grand am 4 cyl

easy fix, good

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 99 grand am 4 cyl

I hope you never have to put a heater core in it.
The worst job i have ever got myself into.
At least it was for my very good looking neighbor lady.
Ended up dating her though..8)8)
It was worth the busted knuckles...

 

[ddgrass]

Re: 99 grand am 4 cyl

Gary, you are luckier than me. This is my wife's car, and instead of a "thank you" I got an "It's about time!!!"

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 99 grand am 4 cyl

LOL....Been there done that.
Once in a blue moon luck comes my way..8)8)