Importance of coolant

[Alwaysdutch]

I have a small car with an overheating problem. In the morning when the outside temperatures are cooler, the car runs great but in the afternoon when the temperature goes up to 95-100, the car seems to have problems staying cool. It has a new coolant sensor as well as a new fan since it was broken. The fan comes on when the temperature reach 3/4 on the gauge.

I did check the coolant level and I have to say that the smell coming out of there would gag a koyote!! I actually wonder if the coolant needs to be exchanged but i am not sure if that will solve the problem. However, I do know it is very important to have coolant as we all know that.

My question: could the quality of the coolant be a huge factor in the overheating process of the engine or are there other possible problems I can check?

Thanks

[vetteonr]

I'd say a flush and fill is in order. I would also put in a new thermostat and check the water pump. You say the fan broke, did it overheat severely when it did?

[Alwaysdutch]

Thanks for your reply. The fan was replaced right before I bought the vehicle. When I flush the system, I surely can add a new thermostat in there. I guess that are all the parts needed for this issue??

[vetteonr]

What is the year/make of the car?

[Alwaysdutch]

1993 Saturn. I use this to learn a little more about automotive problems.

[dougbfresh]

Many GM's are programmed to turn on the fans in the mid 220 degree range. Does this have 2 fans? My Bonneville does this-get about 3/4 on the guage, fan(s) come on, drops to just below 1/2. 106K miles and still going strong.

[Saltmine]

Saturns of that "vintage" were subject to recall due to the improper coolant being factory installed. Several cars had to be replaced due to excessive corrosion in the cooling system. But, by now, your car would have the correct coolant.

No, a flush and refill would have minor impact on running hot, since the lime buildup and sediment inside the radiator can't be removed by flushing. The radiator needs to be removed, opened up, and cleaned properly. This, and a new thermostat will bring your cooling system back into shape...You might also take a good look at all of the hoses. It's a waste of time and money to have a radiator cleaned and a thermostat replaced only to have an old crusty hose blow and dump all of that fresh coolant on the ground.

[justen]

I'm working on a little car this week at work that has a coolant problem. I did some testing and pulled the engine. To find the crank bearings are bad. Causing the engine to over heat. This engine has 146000 miles on it.

One thing you want to make sure, when replacing a fan is that it has the same or better CFM then the original fan. You should check things like your thermostat. And for signs of blockage in the cooling system.

[thecarguy]

Oil sludge makes cars over heat big time (refrence to crank bearings).

Check the radiator for being blocked from air flow. Check the thermostat for operation, if your flushing and doing this anyways...at least that what im picking up out of this. Make sure you have a good coolant mix, all water will evaporate...all coolant wont cool proporly.