Thank you for taking the time to make this video, by 2003 aztek overheated and left me stranded, Now that I have it back in my garage and after watching your video I am confident its the head gasket. I will be watching your other videos and tackling it myself, Thank you again for being the type of person who helps put knowledge like this out there for people like me.

You are a sanity saver! I got my '04 Aztek last August as a gift & since February I've had a plethora of issues that I've had to fix. Mostly normal, high-mileage, old-car issues except for the few remaining weird, pull-your-hair-out issues that have had me quite batty. Thanx to this video, as well as comments and replies, I now know what to do. And for the first time in awhile, I am eager and ecstatic to be spending the next couple days in the garage. Thank you so very much for sharing!

That is one of the best videos I've seen , lots of good info . Thanks for sharing it . TheReaper!

You basicly named like 3 issues im currently dealing with. And thanks to you i have a better understanding how i can fix them. Ty

Excellent Video! More information than I expected. Thank you,

Thank you so much for this through break down. I wish I saw this video a long time ago. Would have saved me so much money, time, and heartache

Excellent help Video. It solved my Headache I haave had for A few years. Thanks.

the 3.1l didn't so much have head gasket issues but it dose have intake gasket issues. I hade to replace the lower intake gasket on my 91 Pontiac 6000. he'll of a motor though. ran the shit out if it everyday and when I traded it in it had 315,000 miles on it and it still ran like a top

I have a 1999 Silhouette with 300,000 on the vehicle, replaced trans and engine around 150,000. I intend to drive it until I replace it with a flying saucer :) . I made a modification to the coils and wiring to make it easier to access. I straightened the L-shaped aluminum mount upon which the coils and ignition module rest, then mounted them on top of the intake manifold. It still clears the hood, but makes it much easier to get all those parts in case the coils or module fail. I came about this because a had a no start, that seemed as if it was an ignition module, but turned out it was a broken wire from the crankshaft position sensor. I am prepared to fix this on the roadside, so I try to keep spares with me for things that often break.

Very informative, thank you for taking the time to make this video. I have a question about my 2000 3.4l Impala. I'm having a problem with the bank 1 sensor 1 o2 sensor. The scan tool I'm using shows a negative reading during live data. I have another Impala (2003) 3.8l and it says the same thing on sensor 1 bank 1. I was just wondering if it's a common issue or if I'm doing something wrong. I've replaced the sensors, I've used cheap o2 sensors and I've used expensive ones but it still doesn't help.

5.17.14. The Dexcool coolant will degrade the L.I.M. Gaskets, along with the head gaskets if the coolant is not completely drained from the system. The engine block has drain plugs for both cylinder banks. The back bank drain plug is located between cylinders 3 & 5, & is difficult to access. People go way too long on the coolant service of the system. 2yr/30k miles is what I go. Also the EGR passage port in the upper intake manifold clogs up with carbon, causing a poor or stalling idle. I pulled my engines L.I.M. Off at 82k miles and the L.I.M. Gaskets were just showing slight signs of degrading, not leaking yet. I decided to pull the heads off to inspect the head gaskets. I found that the Dexcool was degrading the head gasket where the opening for the coolant in the block met the opening in the head! It was not leaking yet, but would have in time! I use Fel-Pro metal framed L.I.M. Gaskets & SD head gaskets. Another source of oil leaking is the oil pump drive O-ring located near the flywheel end of the block.

@TreadMotorsports

7 жыл бұрын

Steven Sapyak this guy hit it dead on!

@royxdavis5056

5 жыл бұрын

What kinda coolant you use I use 50/50 universal antifreeze

@kd7cwg

4 жыл бұрын

I got lucky. Previous owner changed intake gaskets and did green coolant. Still going (knock on wood)

@johnanderson5500

3 жыл бұрын

Yep you hit it right on the head! The previous owner of my 04 grand am 3.4 had changed over from the orange dexcool to the green and saved all the gaskets that way! I got lucky, unfortunately the transmission has issues after it warms up from freeway speeds. When i come to a stop it shifts hard into the next gear all the way to fourth, so i feather it as well as power shift to shift it sooner so it lands a softer shift.

@kd7cwg

3 жыл бұрын

@@johnanderson5500 if you can, hook up a scantool and monior data, see if the mass air readings and everything is correct. Shift strategy ,etc use a lot of Inputs

thanks for all the information...greatly appreciated...keep em coming......you the man...

Thank you. This video was very helpful. I'm going to try your method on riding the over heating problem. Hopefully it clears the probpem. Again Thank you

you are also knowledgable on these engines. i did my head gasket job back in 2010 70k and an in car partial rebuild of my 160k trans. (clutch pack, sun gear, 4th gear, chain, bands) needed for a failed sun gear and work clutch packs) when i used to put my car in gear, there would be a slap - turns out there also was no hardened chain in the trans, and it stretched, and caused that annoying slap. anywho, something worth mentioning is that GM recommends to keep the surge tanks filled up to full hot when the car is cold. this is extra insurance against the surge hose sucking in air on a slow coolant leak and causing hot spots that can damage the head gaskets. i had my 3400 in my Chevy Venture van since new in 2002 and only have ~185,000 as of May 29, 2020

hey my kar blows water out my intake after its on for a while what u think it kan be?

Thank you for the information. I have a question on my 2004 impala 3.4 engine. Besides the loss of antifreeze I recently noticed a large loss of oil that I had to add, when this engine previously had no oil usage problems. Can a bad intake gasket cause this? I do suspect a bad head gasket though.

I don't know why I can't see my previous message. Anyway, what is the cable that you touch with your finger for in the min. 5:27? in my 2002 venture the right side cable is loose and I can't see the other part, which has a white plastic part. thanks

Seeing that it has an iron block(if I'm not mistaken).. As long as you change fluids religiously and take good care of the top portion of the engine(all aluminum) it has the capacity to go 300,000 miles or more..

Thank you, this has helped me a lot.

Dorman heater pipe- would you happen to know what that is? I have a 2000 pontiac grand am gt (black lol) it wouldnt let me leave a pic in the comments but i was wondering if it needed an O ring or somthin cuz i just push it in but it doesnt stay good enough then it starts leaking coolent. It looks like you just push it in but idk if i was missing a ring or somthin cuz it still will start to leak coolent. Very appreciated if you can help

Thank you so much, I will do that today. Also I was told to loosen header exhaust bolts that converters was bad for going bad on those, I did check the exhaust and could not hardly feel much exhaust. So I'm guessing I will be trying both today. I will let you know how it turns out, thank you agian car friend.

@Vacationtime247

4 жыл бұрын

I've cut out a section just behind the cat converter and then used a hammer and pry bar to bust up the material inside. Then blow it out by starting the car a few times. If after cleaning out the cat, the secondary O2 sensor reads low or wrong voltage, add in a spark plug non fouler to the end of the secondary O2 sensor. Drill out the inside of the non fouler so the O2 sensor screws on inside. Will keep the code from setting. VT247

I just purchased a 02 rendezvous and the only motors that is suppose to come in it is the 3400 but the intake cover says 3100 how can you tell the difference and are they interchangeable with transmission and everything

Yep. Me too. To hell with Chevy Venture and the 3400 v6 engine. Everything said here was spot on. Be prepared for over heat problems and head gasket jobs. Iam junking mine. Just blew gaskets for the 2nd time in 2 years. Stalled on me about 5o ft from my house at a busy intersection. Had hazards on. Still got side swiped. Tore the whole passenger side to hell.

Hi, I had a new water pump and radiator flush. My vehicle was running fine now it's overheating. The radiator and spark plugs been replace. Help plz

2000 olds sillette replaced cracked heater hose in the back of the engine. Now over heats. Do I need to bleed the system? Thermostat? Help please

Wow I have been messing with my 97 Venture on and off forever! When it runs...IT RUNS!....I learned SO much from this one video about my Mertha...Do you recommend any sources that are HARD CORE Venture specific? New tuck is toooo expensive right now!

Hi need help.My A/C stared to blowing warm and not long after it was blowing warm air in the suv.Not to long after motor started to shaking .I check they oil it same clear.But the next day I start the suv buick rendez nous and it misfire and white smoke come out.It a 2005 buick rendez nous.Please help me

My 3400 ran hot for 2 years. I changed the thermostat now its perfect

Thanks for the great video.. at 2:05, when you're pointing out the intake temperature air sensor, there is a small 90 degree hose that also goes into the intake and is followed into a hole in the engine around back. it's fairly short, about 12 - 14 inches. Do you know what it's called and what it's for? I broke mine while removing the intake in the middle of winter and it was fairly brittle. I spliced it back together with a flexible clear braided PVC hose until I can find a part number. I'm hoping it's not damaging because it's also PVC. but I'm not driving the vehicle at the moment until I'm sure. Thanks for your help.

@Vacationtime247

8 жыл бұрын

+Rahim D. That tube is for crankcase fumes to be recirculated back through the engine. Not sure if it's got an exact name. PCV crossover tube. As long as it has a good seal and doesn't have any vacuum leaks it's good. Might have to get a replacement from a junkyard. VT247

@rahimd.1870

8 жыл бұрын

Ahh that makes sense... Thank so much

Do you know much about traction active light and issues with front end, I put 2 new hub assemblies and new breaks , but when i turn sharp or stop while turning the wheel i hear grinding and when i start the car most often the traction active lights are on, they go on and off through a ride around town. Thanks any advice.

@Vacationtime247

9 жыл бұрын

+barry luby Sounds like something is rubbing or hitting. My Aztek does the same sometimes with the light coming on. No big deal, just make sure the connection from the hub to the connection wire plug is together good or just wire it straight through with no plug in. VT247

Thank you.

Hi I have 2003 Chevy venture don’t know what going on but when I drive I have good heat and the temperature normal but when I park or wait for the red light the temperature gate go up hot and no heat. I put new radiator new water pump new cooling sensor new thermostat and still does the same thing I wonder it have to do with the head gasket please let me know thank you

Mine has had the intake manifold and head gaskets redone. Not smoking and no coolant in oil. Also it's not running hot but I am losing coolant. I can fill up the radiator and start it up and drive it for 15-20 minutes and my low coolant light will come on. I've also changed that sensor as well. Heat works pretty constant. I also have virtually no pressure in the system as I can drive the car like I said and remove radiator cap no problem. Thoughts?

@Vacationtime247

3 жыл бұрын

Do a coolant system pressure test. They rent the tool at Autozone. Basically you hook it up and pump up the connector. It applies pressure to the system. Make sure the pressure doesn't drop rapidly. If it does, check for leaks or sounds. VT247

04 rendezvous overheats, blowing cold air in the cabin and smell a lil burnt sometimes from the engine.

good morning Bud. I have an 04 olds silhouette with a 3400 motor and I'm reading 2 codes. 300 & 171 codes. I did an in house oil change and plug/wire change and oil pressure dropped. I have to little flared tip things at opposite corners of the upper intake manifold and they're sulking in air. are these supposed to be capped off or lead into some other intake hose? also, bank 1 code (171) is that an upstream o2 sensor? I changed out the oil pressure sensor already too. my car is riding ROUGH and as soon as I turn on the a/c I lose power. please help.

@Vacationtime247

7 жыл бұрын

Sorry for the late response. Been in Alaska working as a mobile mechanic. Back on the Cali coast again. Sounds a lot like a vacuum leak. I shoved a piece of sponge in between the bracket and vacuum tube. There should be no vacuum leaks. A misting spray bottle of water can help find vacuum leaks. Spray and monitor for idle change. VT247

Ok so I am having trouble finding the bleed plug for coolant on the drivers side. All the videos i have watched show a plug on the passenger and driver side but those werent aleros same engine though. Is there really a second bleed plug on the driver side of the engine ? And just to clarify. The 2 cooling fans , do they both come on at the same time with 2 speeds or no. Because im going out to junk yard to get new fans. My mechanic couod actually feel that the motor wasnt moving right.

@Vacationtime247

6 жыл бұрын

Believe my fans are either on or off not variable speeds and come on at the same time together. Could check yours by unplugging the temp sensor. It would set a code off, but would turn the fans on. The code would reset after a few starts. The bleeder screws are pointed out at 2:45 If you're having to continuously bleed air out of the system there's a problem. Doing a coolant system pressure test is a good way to find any leaks. VT247

Thank you for your videos. They are so helpful! I was wondering if you could identify something for me. I found a small metal tube sticking out of the back of the intake plenum on passenger side. It's right in front of the alternator on my 2002 Venture. It seemed to just have rubber cap over it which had a hole torn in it so I replaced it with another rubber cap. I was wondering if you knew what this tube is and what purpose it serves.

@Vacationtime247

9 жыл бұрын

+servant2myking It's a vacuum port. Some models may have used them and others not. Replacing the rubber cap was the right thing to do. VT247

we have an overheating problem on a 2001 impala 3400 ,fan do not come on unless the air is on,temperature gauge gets to halfway and two lines behind halfway ,when the car get hot the tramsission only shift one time causing the motor to idle very high please help

Thank you for sharing ....My friend just baught one i can hear loud ticking. As a friend ill share the info......A viewer from MEXICO......

@TheSnowsurfer7

3 жыл бұрын

My 2000 Grand Am SE is ticking also the code reader read misfire

Hello. Thanks for your video. I recent ran my 3400 with low coolant and the engine overheated badly. I am now getting a P0303 code and the vehicle is idling very roughly and I cannot exceed 50km/h without the engine light flashing. I'm concerned I may have cracked the cyclinder ...any idea how I can go about troubleshooting? Thanks!

@Vacationtime247

6 жыл бұрын

Probably a blown head gasket. Could try a coolant pressure test, see if you hear air / water in the cylinder. Do a compression test perhaps too. Only way to tell if the cylinder is cracked is to tear it down and check. Bit of advice though, if your doing one gasket, do them all. Intake, head and timing cover. Teflon tape the oil sensor while your there too, they sometimes leak. VT247

I know this video is years old, but maybe someone can help. 2000 silhouette. The low coolant light goes on and off but there's plenty in the reservoir and radiator. It wants to overheat when idle. No bubbles in the coolant reservoir. No white or milky junk in the oil or the cap. No white exhaust. This lead me to think the gaskets are fine. I'm thinking the thermostat stick closed or coolant temperature gauge might need to be replaced, or maybe there is a clog in the coolant system somewhere? Now I'm wondering if I missed something or there could be a different issue because you state that the thermostat going out isn't all that common. Is there anything else I should be looking for?

I have a 2000 chevy venture van 3.4L and the idle has been getting steadily rougher for the past couple of months. I changed the sparks recently to fix a separate issue but I still have a dead spot when I first start the engine that lasts only 1 second before the engine kicks in again and idles. Anytime I am idling the engine is running rough and the temperature increases to 1/2 way and up to 3/4 now as well. Temp will decrease at normal speed limits. After watching your video and another one that specifically focused on my make and model, I am leaning towards thinking that this could be either an exhaust vacuum leak, a misfire or an intake manifold gasket issue. What would you recommend I do now? Thanks for your time!

@michaelstjohn6086

5 жыл бұрын

what was it?

My 2005 3.4 buick rendezvous has a high idle problem do you know what I should look for? I already replaced the idle control valve and the coolent temp sensor.

@Vacationtime247

8 жыл бұрын

+jake braun Check for vacuum leaks. Break out an old school vacuum gauge and the readings will help diagnose too. You can check for vacuum leaks with a water bottle. Check for differences in idle when squirting it around. Also check that the throttle plate / butterfly is closing all the way. It can be cleaned with some basic carb cleaner. VT247

I ran a direct wire and removed my thermostat put some blue devil and it's been running good for 2 years with no engine problems 2000 chevy malibu Ls 3100v6

@brian7316

5 жыл бұрын

helo… what do you mean by direct wire .. I have a 2001 3.4 L Impala and troubles with overheating ..can you help me with that ?

@brian7316

4 жыл бұрын

@@cathybowen.Shelly ty Cathy.. hope that will fix it...

@Spidasmokefiya

4 жыл бұрын

@@cathybowen.Shelly was your temp gauge reading normally before replacing the sensor? Or was it always reading all the way cold or hot? Jw, I think I'm having the same issue with my van...

@otm646

3 жыл бұрын

@@cathybowen.Shelly is that the sensor right at the thermostat neck?

i have a p0300 with a p0137 any ideas?

I wish I saw this before I changed my thermostat and water pump. Thank u

My alero olds mobile 3 .400 iput tomany parts and he stil. Miss fire cilinder 1 but i pull the spark plug out its oil an the spark plug some people said is the head gasket can't you answer my question please

I mixed the push rods up in the 3.1 v6 motor, the head closest the radiator from drive side to passenger side, what order do they go in?

@Vacationtime247

9 жыл бұрын

Intake pushrods are shorter than the exhaust. You'll know which is which by looking at where the valve goes. If the valve can be seen with the intake manifold off, it's the intake. If you can't see the valve, it's for the exhaust. VT247

Whats is the normal operating range on the temperature gauge. I am usually at the 11 oclock and 12 oclock in city driving. But around 1 on highway driving. Thank you for any information

03 impala 3.4. It has a fairly new spectra premium radiator from auto zone. I seen a leak for awhile of transmission fluid from the transmission cooler line. The end that goes into the radiator. I just changed the adapter with the horse shoe on it and still a small leak. Should I just claim my warranty thru auto zone or is this a easy fix?

@Vacationtime247

8 жыл бұрын

+en392 Not had to do that repair yet. Does it need a new O-ring? Might be an easy fix. VT247

I have a 2002 pontiac montana with a 3400,replaced the thermostat and still over heating, and head gaskets are good next option is water pump any suggestions?

@Vacationtime247

5 жыл бұрын

Do a coolant pressure test. Can do the loan a tool at Autozone. See if it holds pressure. If so, then try the water pump. If not, find the leak and repair as necessary. VT247

Hey i have a question about over heating it doesnt over heat completly goes about 3 fourths of the way then goes back down once fans kick on but i believe i have a slow leak where the bleeder is mext to the water pump l.. What type of sealer should i use on that o ring

@Vacationtime247

4 жыл бұрын

If you're referring to the metal tube that has the bleeder on, it has an o ring. I took mine off, cleaned it and also added some black silicone around it. Didn't leak anymore after. But, might do a coolant pressure test to find any other leaks and see if it holds pressure after. VT247

Working on a 05 grand am 3.4 and I have bled it over and over and still getting air bubbles , if I keep bleeding it it will be out of coolant , thinking head gasket maybe , any suggestions ? Thanks

@Vacationtime247

6 жыл бұрын

This sounds a lot like a bad head gasket to me. Use a coolant system pressure test gauge (can be rented at Autozone loan a tool) to check for leaks. Hope this helps. VT247

Thank you for all the info. I have a 2003 olds alero with the 3400 and it has been overheating but it also has been throttleing on it own. I will be going 45 let off the gas and it stays at 45. So my wonderful mechanic first had me buy a water pump then the temp sensor and he was sending me to get a thermostat when i noticed that neither of tye fans where running and it was well above temp at this point. So i check fuses and cleaned relays but fans still dont work. What do u think. And i checked the oil cap and dip stick and do not see any white residue nor can i spot a leak when u showed to look. I truly appreciate your help.

@Vacationtime247

6 жыл бұрын

Bleed the system of air. If it runs fine for a while then overheats along with again having air in the system, it's probably a bad head gasket. Might try a system pressure test to confirm. As far as the staying at the same speed, check for vacuum leaks and if the throttle body is closing all the way. To test if the fans work, unplug the temp sensor and they should come on, but this will trigger a code. Yet, it's a quick easy way to tell if the fans are working. VT247

@wesleywideman7185

6 жыл бұрын

Vacationtime247 WOW man I didnt really think you would respond. I wasnt sure like how old your stuff was. I really appreciate it. I think my biggest problem in the situation was the guy who I thought was a mechanic but it turns out he is good and putting on new parts which if i had a garage full of tools and KZread i could probably do. So today an old newer friend of mine called me and i totally forgot he us a certified mechanic and works at a shop. So he looked it over today and tomorrow he is going to take it and fix all this crap. I will pass on your info. He did say that i definitely have to buy a tensioner pulley because he could actually see it moving around and its possible that was causeing the throttle issue. And once again I really appreciate it it's good to know that I can reach out to someone if i have anymore issues.

I drained my radiator to do a radiator flush because I found some sludge under the radiator cap and now it wants to overheat and it didn't before do you think it's because I have air trapped in the system or do you think the thermostat is bad from sludge buildup

@Vacationtime247

7 жыл бұрын

No. My guess is that the head or intake gasket has blown and it won't hold pressure. Try filling the radiator and bleeding the air from the bleeders. If it stays cool shortly but then eventually overheats and you have to rebleed the system over and over it's the gasket. That or try pressurizing the system with a pressurized vacuum pump hooked to the radiator. Then check for leaks or hissing. If you do the intake, go ahead and do the head gaskets. Trust me. VT247

Why are the coolant fans not running on my 2000 Olds Sillouette Van 3.4 L ? Fuse 1 is good.

I was changing the coolant temperature sensor in my 2001 malibu and the part that it screws into cracked around the sensor was wondering what the part name is it screws into

What is that hose you pointed to saying it can cause a vacuum leak

@Vacationtime247

2 жыл бұрын

Not sure what the name of it is. There’s a rubber grommet that the vacuum tubing goes into that fastens to the upper intake. Make sure it is fully seated and secure. Might have to remove the metal throttle cable bracket to see or fix though. VT247

Im getting a P0300 code on my 1999 alero and i cant seem to find why

have 2000 impala with 3400. heatercore was bad so i bypassed it .(7-8 mos. ago). recently it has been overheating. water is not circulation too top of motor. took thermostat out. still no circulation. put in new thermostat and no change. builds pressure and pushes water out overflow tube. no sign of blown head gasket but does smoke a litttle when full of water. no water in oil and has good power. could it be waterpump

@mesheeplaisance1759

5 жыл бұрын

dave karter same problem

Have an 2003 Impala 3.4 liter over heating issue ofcourse changed out da thermostat but didnt resolve da problemTried bleeding out da cooling system cause on a youtube video one of da links said da system was pressurized..but as yu xplained in yur video on da 3400 engine there are 2bleeder valve one on gooseneck housing but da other as states on video never should be touched cause it will make yu have an all day headache..lol..but wat if yu never really can get water to come out of da bleedere valves..problem i am having now..so frustrated wit da Impala please help any suggestions are welcomed..thanks

@Vacationtime247

6 жыл бұрын

Fill up the radiator and do a coolant pressure test. Could have a leak or a blown gasket. Leaks will be easy to see after being pressurized as water will come out in force. If it doesn't hold pressure and no leak is found the head gasket is probably blown. VT247

HI ,I got 04 3400 grant am - overheting -bubbles air to degas overflow tank - no cup on radiator (confuses me I like more the one like you have), I did the pressure test I got on all 6 plugs about 155 pressure ....so now wander if it is water pump or thermostat ..oil is clean ... any idea ? Thanks for coments in advance.

@Vacationtime247

6 жыл бұрын

Get a radiator coolant pressure tester from Autozone loan a tool and do a pressure test on the cooling system. Believe the Grand Am pressure cap is on the overflow tank similar to an Alero. Try this also, fill up the cooling system, turn the car on letting it get up to operating temp and then bleed out the bleed screws. The vehicle will run at normal operating temp for a while then overheat after a short time. Bleed out the screws again and there's air in the system. This would indicate a bad head gasket. You stated you have 155 psi x 6 but what about leak down? The compression peak is met but it leaks down shortly after. Exhaust gases most likely getting into the coolant, i.e. the bubbles in the overflow. Personally believe you have a bad head gasket. FYI, if you do replace them do ALL the gaskets while your in there including the timing cover. kzread.info/dash/bejne/fWmh2cyQfMjTcZs.html VT247

Thank you so much i have an 2003 alero & im dealing with this same problem again it ran hot but instead of getting a regular 3400 motor head i got an super charge. & it started over heating & misfiring so when i pour water into it its comes out the motor head.

@Vacationtime247

2 жыл бұрын

Wonder if one or more of the head bolts got stripped out. But the head has to mate with the block right or else it will certainly spew water all over. The GM 3400's had problem with their gaskets. Best to rebuild the entire thing with new gaskets if your doing one. Because eventually, the head, timing cover and intake gasket will all eventually leak. VT247

Did you have a cylinder 2 misfire code pop up once in a while with this head gasket problem? I've been fighting these issues for awhile now and my fear was that I have a bad head gasket

@Vacationtime247

3 жыл бұрын

Mine just had the weird heating issues. It is very possible a bad head gasket could cause a misfire on any given cylinder. Do a compression test and while the spark plug is out do a coolant pressure test as well. See if the cylinder fills or has water in it. VT247

my upper and lower radiator hose are staying cold does that sound like hard gasket plenum gasket or thermostat had waterpump replaced unless it was faulty

@Vacationtime247

8 жыл бұрын

+drae allen First bleed the air out of the system at the ports above the thermostat housing and the water pump black tube coming out the top. Then, do a pressure test of the coolant system. If it holds pressure, it's not a gasket. If not, there's a leak somewhere. VT247

I have a variable engine shut off its usually going down the road happens usually after going up a hill but not always I redid the heads a while back I thought it was a fuel issue but changed filter pressure was great. after it shuts off I pull over wait anywhere from 45secs to 5 mins it starts right back up. any ideas?

@Vacationtime247

7 жыл бұрын

Could be the wires for the fuel pump shutting it off momentarily. When it doesn't start, listen to see if the pump kicks on. VT247

I'm having a problem with the 2000 Grand Am in no fluid off the coolant is disappearing in the gauges running close to hot I don't know what is it with the Pham is coming on and I have a tapping noise can you liberate on that for me thank you

@Vacationtime247

7 жыл бұрын

Check the oil, see if you have coolant / oil mix. Fill up the radiator and do a coolant pressure test to check for leaks. VT247

Vacation time, my 3.4 l8tr 2004 grand am overheats but the gauge doesn't reflect that. I believe the gauge works cause it move between 190-215 degrees. But steam is coming out from under my hood sometimes. What do you think?

@Vacationtime247

5 жыл бұрын

Get a lot of these type of questions about this engine, so here's where I'd start if it were mine. Do a coolant system pressure test after filling up the overflow with water. Once pressurized, listen and watch for water to come out. Bet that a gasket is blown and it's leaking somewhere. Replaced the head, intake and timing cover gasket on nearly every GM 3400 I've had. VT247

right on thanks guys! no wonder it wouldn't take more than like a quart of water after it vented at least a gallon into the overflow. it has been sitting since my last post and for the record Vacationtime knows his stuff. Nobody wants to accept that their car has blown a gasket but that ended up being the case with this montana as well. Another one bites the dust! may as well count on any of these v6's to blow at some point and if you get 200kmi+ out of one, consider yourself good a PM tech. anybody interested in picking up this blown out soccer mom/ G ride for a steal of a deal in UT let me know

@Vacationtime247 I do not have enough heat, 2000 Montana Van, runs not more than 1/4 on the gauge scale, the heat is not HOT, just luke warm. Thoughts? otherwise it runs good

@Vacationtime247

4 жыл бұрын

Fill up the coolant to the appropriate level. Run the vehicle until warmed up. Bleed out the bleeder screws until all the air is gone. If the problem persists, do a coolant leak down test. This will expose any leaks that may or may not be visible. It should hold pressure and not drop quickly. VT247

I have a 3100, it has no problem turning over but at the same time it vibrates roughly, any thoughts on what it might be? Thanks

@Vacationtime247

8 жыл бұрын

+The Lopez Way Check your spark plugs and do a coolant pressure check. VT247

Thanks for the help mine just overheated today is there an easy way for me to test the thermostat to make sure it's not stuck?

@Vacationtime247

4 жыл бұрын

If after running for a while, one radiator hose is very hot and the car overheats but the other hose is cool, the thermostat is probably stuck provided it has sufficient coolant. These engines tend to have issues with the blown gaskets, intake, head and timing cover. A coolant pressure test would be helpful too to find any leaks and see if it holds pressure. VT247

Here's one for you: 2000 Silhouette 3.4 was overheating. Replaced t-stat because it was sticking. Purged air using a hose tee on the heater hoses and raising it above the rest of the system. Purge, fill, repeat until there was no air left to purge. Both fans operating. No white or otherwise unusual exhaust smoke. Engine ran great, heater was hot, temp gauge fluctuated but stayed generally in the middle. Took it on the highway for about 5 miles at 50-55 mph and began to hit the red zone. Tried using 3rd gear to accelerate coolant flow but that didn't seem to have an effect. Engine started to lose power as I pulled off highway. Slowly opened hose tee to see if there was air in there again, and there was a lot. Released steam slowly for about 5 minutes, then started it back up and drove it home. Had to release steam two more times to make it home. Possible diagnoses: 1.) Head gasket dumping exhaust into the coolant and pressurizing it, but if that were true wouldn't there be white exhaust smoke? 2.) Water pump not moving coolant fast enough and it's boiling. 3.) Radiator plugged with rust and Dex-Kill goo. 4.) I didn't really get all the air out.

@Vacationtime247

3 жыл бұрын

Pretty sure it's a blown head gasket. These engines are known for gasket failures. Might try a coolant system pressure test and see if it holds pressure. Could try a chemical test and check for exhaust gases in the coolant. It's a blue dye that changes color in the presence of exhaust gases. If you do have to fix the head gaskets, do the entire engine, timing cover, head and intake. They all go out eventually on these motors. VT247

@jimmyjohn7929

3 жыл бұрын

@@Vacationtime247 Forgot to say I did go to AutoZone and rent a pressure test kit. It held 16 psi as long as I could hold on the GM cap that didn't fit perfectly. A full 60 seconds maybe; didn't get a chance to fix the cap issue. I was also thinking of the chemical test. If it's a head gasket, I don't have the time or space, and we'll just hock the van on craigslist and try and get $400 for it.

Hey my buddy replaced his thermostat in his overheating 2001 Buick century. Now when he tries to start it up it cranks but won't actually start then possibly a back fire or burp.. what should I look at first to address this? Probably occurred during poor mechanic work

@Vacationtime247

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a wire or plug in didn’t get put back. Look for loose or broken connectors. VT247

I've got a heap of a 1997 oldsmobile HELL-OH-ET with the 3400 engine and it is leaking coolant from the passenger side of the engine . I think it is coming out somewhere by the water pump or tensioner pulley assembly but i can't see for sure . I do know it's not coming from the radiator or the hoses. It's almost seeming to be accumulating on the face of the water pump pulley and getting spattered on to the radiator and the control arm etc , but it seems like it's barely accumulating when I'm parked and the engine is idling. I believe driving is when it leaks the worst due to there being alot of coolant in the areas i specified when i popped the hood to inspect the sweet coolant smell i smelt when we were driving it home . There is no coolant in the oil and no bubbles in the reservoir and the heater works great , i just replaced the temp. Control sensor and bled the system properly . If you have any suggestions my email is canjojohn02@gmail.com and i would appreciate any suggestions at all . Thank you , sincerely ,Rod

Quick question, the only time the radiator fans come on is when I turn on the a/c, don’t know for sure if they come on once the temperature reaches the 200 mark but it hasn’t went above the 200 mark yet. But is this normal or should the fans kick on and then off??

@kd7cwg

11 ай бұрын

My low speed fan turns on at 221 and off at 200. They are programmed to idle at that for emissions bs

Hey I have a question I have this motor in my 05 Buick rendezvous and I'm having an overheating issue I'll start driving and it will start over heating in just a couple miles but for some reason if I'm on the freeway it won't over heat until I get off the highway then right away it will over heat again any ideas?

@stacietorres5983

4 жыл бұрын

Me too

@imlikerhettbutler5093

3 жыл бұрын

Coolant temp sensor is bad , not turning on fans. At highway speeds the airflow cools down the motor, at idle no air flow. Try turning on ac it overrides sensor and fans should run all the time

hey i put my 2002 aztek on diagnostic it says bad oxygen sensor which mines has two of them but how i know which one to replace i do know my car is burning a lot of fuel and it stalls out on me

@Vacationtime247

8 жыл бұрын

Read the codes, plug in an obd II reader and LMK the #'s

Ive got the evap issue should i start with the evap solenoid over the gas tank or the part by the throttle body the o2 sensors are reading bad also figured that was because of the evap letting out bad emissions too much unburnt fuel the 3.1 liter 2002 buick century has 85,000 miles on it

@Vacationtime247

4 жыл бұрын

Check inside the upper intake where the EGR bolts on. They are prone to carbon up real bad there through the passages. Another evap issue I once had was the check engine light would come on due to a bad FTPS (fuel tank pressure sensor. It's located on top of the tank, but can be reached under the vehicle. VT247

I have this motor in my Chevy Venture. One issue I'm having is when, after about 10-20 minutes of running. my transmission acts up, when you go go accelerate, it snatches and jerks or Iv'e heard some people refer to it as bucking, but not always consistently. Makes it dangerous trying to take off to merge into traffic. Does this sound like an issue you are familiar with?

@Vacationtime247

8 жыл бұрын

Run a code scan of the engine and transmission. Sure it's the transmission and not the engine? If your confident it's the transmission, then find out if there are any codes and the fluid level is correct. VT247

@yrtuag

8 жыл бұрын

Thank you, sir.

Im pissing oil near a sensor above the starter and below the exhaust manifold on my 05 Equanox..have you seen this?

@Vacationtime247

7 жыл бұрын

Sounds like the Oil Pressure Sensor. Remove and replace. Wrap some teflon tape around it before installing to prevent any seeping. VT247

Hello i have a 2004 buick rend and its over heating. Ive replaced water pump, temp sensor, and the connectionto temp sensor. Ive notice that the radiator fans kick on only when the temp sensor is not connected. Do u think its a blown head gasket?

@Vacationtime247

8 жыл бұрын

Have a coolant system pressure test done. After the radiator is full and the system is pressurized the water will squirt from wherever it's leaking at, possibly the head gasket. VT247

@amandaoropeza7553

8 жыл бұрын

Thank u so much for quick reply. I'll try and ger back to u.

I have a 2003 impala that's running hot I just saw that you mentioned bleeding the two screws and letting fluid come out and tighten again....the first screw by the thermostat went OK but the second one nothing came out what should I do?

@Vacationtime247

9 жыл бұрын

Chilli Dawg Let the car get up to operating temp then try bleeding it out with the radiator and overflow filled up. If it gets hot (overheats) after bleeding the bleeders, check for bubbles in the overflow tank. Bubbles in the overflow tank means the head gasket is blown. VT247

@DDEENY

9 жыл бұрын

Chilli Dawg I bought the Lisle Spill-Free Funnel that attaches to the radiator cap neck with its proprietary cap and didn't mess around at all with either bleeder screw. The Funnel works great and it's very easy to use. You just park or raise the car so that front is the highest point, attach the Funnel, fill the radiator with coolant all the way about halfway up into the Funnel and start the cold with the heater turned on and its temperature setting on highest (you can leave the blower off), then watch the bubbles surfacing in the coolant in the Funnel, small and slow at first and then more aggressively once the engine/coolant warms up enough to open the thermostat, at which time the coolant will gurgle aggressively (add more coolant as necessary to keep the Funnel filled) until the bubbling stops, then all the air is purged from the system and you can turn off the engine. Then squeeze the upper radiator hose (using a rag or glove to protect you from its heat) to force some coolant up into the Funnel and keep the hose squeezed while you insert the stopper that's included with the Funnel into the Funnel's neck, then release the hose and remove the Funnel with its stopper intact to transfer the remaining coolant into a jug or the reservoir if necessary to fill to its HOT level. It takes only about 10 minutes or so. I've used the Funnel several times in diagnosing and nursing a blown head gasket(s) that caused exhaust gas to escape into my '03 Impala's cooling system, thus creating air pockets that impede the flow of coolant through the system and in turn causing the heater temperature gauge and heater to operate erratically until the internal pressure caused by the air pocket(s) was overcome and the system worked normally from there on. In worst cases the temperature gauge would quickly rise into the overheat zone and I'd need to shut the engine. The crux of my issue is the blown head gasket(s), and I confirmed the exhaust gas leaking into the coolant with a simple-to-use test kit, and I tried to remedy the problem without the expense of having the gaskets replaced because I can't afford the $2,000 repair at this point. I used the K&W FiberLock Engine Block Sealer (after carefully reviewing the product online), carefully followed its instructions and added only 5 ounces of it into my system and ran the car hoping that the sealer would stop the internal leak. After only 2 days it's become apparent that the gloppy sealer has blocked my radiator, since the engine runs hot, the upper radiator hose becomes hot but the radiator cap remains cold, indicating that the coolant can't circulate properly through the radiator and the engine eventually overheats. Now I don't know what to do but as it is the car is basically ruined. I don't suppose that other head gasket sealers may work better but now it's too late for me to know. I can't even apply the exhaust gas leak test again to at least see if the sealer has worked by sealing the leak because the blocked radiator won't allow the coolant to circulate properly for a reliable test reading to be obtained. I surmise that the leak may have been at least partially sealed because after I used the Sealer and later started the engine cold, I noticed that it didn't have the slight roughness of operation at first that it had, that I suppose was caused by one or more cylinders/spark plugs becoming wet with coolant that leaked in, thus causing the engine to run just a bit rough at first for several seconds before the internally-leaked coolant to be expelled through the exhaust, after which the engine ran fine. But the lesson learned here is to use any engine stop leak product at your own risk, or better yet not at all. At this point I'm unsure if I should have my cooling system thoroughly flushed and re-filled by a shop in order to re-test for exhaust gas (after purging the system to be sure that no air is present), and that's only if the radiator is able to be successfully cleared. Regardless, I have some serious conversation in order with K&W's customer support. Thank you for your time and Good Luck.

I have been helping my neighbor with her 03 montana which has been overheating, last night i replaced the h2o pump because the bearing was on its way out, this van has over 300k mi on it so not too surprising. But pressure seems to be escaping from behind the impeller housing or somewhere on the belt side of the engine. is it possible this could be anything besides a head or plenum gasket? perhaps a simple seal failure in the hard line to impeller housing?

@Vacationtime247

7 жыл бұрын

Use a coolant pressure tester to pressurize the system. This will help find leaks easily. My guess is that it's the timing cover seal. The big plate that the water pump bolts on to. Cheap to replace the gasket and harmonic balancer seal, but take @3-4 hours to do. VT247

@tri9398

7 жыл бұрын

And have her cross her fingers that's all to the problem was is from the cover seal. Make sure the system is burped well because that van probably has rear AC and heat as well. Those coolant lines run all the way to the rear wheel area, which can trap a lot of air.

My Chevy Cruze 2014 LS Engine 1.8L 4 cyl HDOCHC(MFI) overheating egie light came on 2dys after being serviced 219/18 overheating message/ air conditioning won't work?changed 2 oxygen sensor n thermostat same problem. What can be wrong?

@Vacationtime247

6 жыл бұрын

Lots of things to check. Check coolant level, make sure the cooling fans are working, check to see if actually overheating or just reads wrong. Make sure the water pump is flowing coolant. Odd that the A/C isn't working too. Could be an odd electrical problem if it never actually overheats and pukes coolant. VT247

Hope for helping with temperature gauge going up changed the thermostat changed oil changed coolant sensor temperature still going up but dont overheat no white smoke please tell me what else can it be help

@Vacationtime247

4 жыл бұрын

Do a coolant pressure test to check for leaks and see if it holds @ 15 psi of pressure. These engines have issues with blown gaskets. Also, make sure the fans turn on. They programmed these fans to come on at a high temp, almost in the red. VT247

Well the oil doesn't look milky so I don't think it's a head gasket but at idle when it starts getting hot coolant fluid wants to go out the over fill tube and at idle with Reservoir cap off it just starts bubbling have any ideas

@Vacationtime247

4 жыл бұрын

Usually when the oil looks milky, it's because of the intake manifold has failed. Allowing coolant and oil to mix. You should consider a chemical test to check for a bad head gasket. Basically looks like a squeeze tube that has a blue chemical inside that turns yellow in the presence of exhaust gases. Place it on top of the coolant reservoir before it boils over to 'sniff' the fumes from the bubbles. That or try a coolant leakdown test. Basically you fasten the tool to the radiator cap (with the engine cool) and pump it up. The cooling system should hold @15 psi and not drop fast. If it does, look for leaks or hissing indicating a bad gasket. The gaskets on these engines will all go out eventually. If you're doing one, do them all. Intake, head and timing cover. Saves time and effort in the long run. VT247

thanks for great video - i have had this problem for a while now. rough idle, but ONLY when its warm, and as soon as i push the pedal juuuust a bit it runs fine . i have replaced tps and iac , cleaned throotle body, and replaced several vakum hoses , but it stiiiil has a rough idle . COULD it possible be a simple thing as a fuel filter ? i drove it emty for about 5 months ago , and....did it come after that hmmm . i just think that IF it was some fuel problem it shouldn´t run great, but correct me if i´m wrong , could it be a bad intake ? it has some time that noise in idle like a misfire ...like a bad sparkplug wire, but changed em for 6 month ago with plugs . i´m going crazy cause if it a bad intake it should not drive that god. it JUST a rough idle - what am i missing ? please ...please help me if you got a clue

@Vacationtime247

5 жыл бұрын

Check fuel pressure, the port to check it is behind the power steering pump on the passenger side near the alternator. Could be a bad fuel pressure regulator, partially clogged fuel filter or a weak pump. Not sure if it's ever had the gaskets replaced, but these engines are horrible about blowing gaskets. If it ever gets hot or to cold, try a coolant pressure test to see if it holds pressure. VT247

@lassenielsen5492

5 жыл бұрын

@@Vacationtime247 thanks a hole lot for that reply. I will check it later today, as soon as i got that egr valve on again 😡 pain in the but to get to . Noticed that the pipe going from rubber between air filter and throttle body in to the valve cover - dont remember its name BUT it was totally lose in valvecover, MAYBY its that but i dont think it is. Next step is the fuel way. Never ever had a car with so many problems all the time . Especially the fu....ng gearbox ! BUT when it drives im on top off the world. Some cars you just get a feeling for and it aint JUST A CAR you know.

I have a 2000 Malibu with the 3400 motor and I took it to a shop cause it was blowing water out of the spark plug holes any idea why that is

@Vacationtime247

5 жыл бұрын

It's almost certainly the head gaskets. Replace them both. Can verify by filling the coolant level up with water and doing a coolant pressure test. VT247

what is the normal operating temp for the 3.4 liter v6 GM engine please would love to know nobody seems to answer this question would love an answer thank you

@ryans413

5 жыл бұрын

notsure3331 90 degrees the gauge should read right in the middle or just slightly down from the middle. If the gauge is reading higher then 90 degrees it’s over heating

Hello. Basic cost to do the head gaskets and intake manifold gasket job ??? To help with overheating

@Vacationtime247

2 жыл бұрын

Depends on the shop. It's certainly not an easy job! VT247

New radiator could it be a head gasket

I've got a 2002 Rendezvous with this engine. It's never gotten into the red zone but it often reads just under 3/4 on the temp gauge when idling. I don't see any white on the dipstick or under the oil cap. Is this normal, or what should I do to make it run cooler? thx

@Vacationtime247

8 жыл бұрын

+Timothy Horne Pressure check the coolant system and bleed the air out from the bleeder screws. Make sure your coolant fans are turning on. Turn on your A/C, the fans should come on. VT247

@Z14kt12timandjes1

8 жыл бұрын

+Vacationtime247 thanks for the fast reply and for your helpful videos!

Coolant leaking from timing cover after uim and lim done . Could thermostat be bad and not letting coolant flow and cause overheating

@Vacationtime247

7 жыл бұрын

No, the leak is preventing the engine from creating coolant pressure. To find the leak use a pressure pump on the radiator when it's full. The coolant / water will shoot out of the leaking area. VT247

@Clevelandflexin

7 жыл бұрын

Vacationtime247 it's coming out of timing cover no oil just coolant

how does the coolent fan come out?

@Vacationtime247

8 жыл бұрын

Take out the bolts for the engine mounts and swing them towards the engine. There should be two bolts holding the fans on, it should come out the top. VT247

I'm about to buy one of these cars from a co worker, it has no cabin heat at all, any idea?

@Vacationtime247

4 жыл бұрын

Probably a bad head gasket. Honestly might want to steer clear of that one. VT247

i have a 2005 buick rendezvous 3.4 it seems to over heat after about 30 to 45 min. ive changed the temp. sensor thermostats. an the fans not to sure if my fans kick in properly when i turn ac on they seem to kick in with more speed oil is good no smoke comes out from the exhaust

@Vacationtime247

7 жыл бұрын

Do a coolant pressure test to check for leaks and holds @12-15 psi VT247

04 Grand am that starts to climb past 200 degrees after about 30 minutes of driving while idle. After 30 minutes the car runs horribly and can occasionally die completely. Any help would be awesome.

@Vacationtime247

6 жыл бұрын

Check your coolant level in the radiator. Also do a pressure test of the coolant system. Might be the early signs of a head gasket going bad. VT247

Also the gas gauge goes to full then light comes on but it doesn't really read how much fuel is in the tank ! What would this problem be ?

@Vacationtime247

5 жыл бұрын

That's the sending unit on the fuel pump. The tabs don't make good contact for the float mechanism. Makes it either full or empty. Had to start using my mileage for the trip odometer resetting each time I refueled. Went by mileage since last fill up. Dropping the fuel tank isn't fun, but on most models it's possible to cut a 'window' out to gain access to the fuel pump. Did this on my Aztek and worked good. VT247

I'm currently having an issue with my 2004 Chevy venture it over heats and goes from warn to hot when u get up to a certain speed

@johnanderson5500

3 жыл бұрын

Check your fans. While it's idling in park, turn on your ac and see if your fans kick on. If they don't you have a problem some where. I had that problem which was the ac relay which actually poped and prevented my car from starting because it blew a fuse that shares the pcm with the ac. I own a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am SE1 3.4L but these Pontiacs are almost the same if it has the same engine. Mind you i say "Almost" the same. Anyway what i did was pull out the relay block in the fuse box, and replace the blown fuse i had, then manually hooked both fans up to a switch to the battery. This means i can turns the fans on anytime, but i don't have ac. Hope this helped. By the way if you're ac doesn't work and you don't care you can eliminate the ac radiator in front of your actual radiator for more air flow to keep it cool. Mine was already empty so i cut it off. But if its full your supposed to have it professionally emptied.