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2002 Nissan Sentra Overheats BADLY
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IsaacD
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Aug 25, 2012, 5:41 PM
Post #1 of 6
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2002 Nissan Sentra Overheats BADLY
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Hello!
I REALLY need help with figuring out what to do with my car. I have a 2002 Nissan Sentra GXE, 1.8 L engine, Blue 4-D Sedan, around 189,000 miles.
The car was overheating very badly and is now not driveable for more than a mile. Within the past 1-2 months there have been replacements of the radiator, hoses, thermostat, and water pump. My mechanic told me that there's a clog in the head that needs to be machined out that is causing pressure in the coolant system, causing the car to overheat.
Could this really be caused by a clog in the head???
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 25, 2012, 7:01 PM
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Re: 2002 Nissan Sentra Overheats BADLY
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It is possible there could be a problem with the coolant passages being clogged in the cylinder head. Have they tested for combustion gasses in the coolant system?
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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IsaacD
New User
Aug 26, 2012, 12:05 AM
Post #3 of 6
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Re: 2002 Nissan Sentra Overheats BADLY
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Hmm... Is the "head" as they referred to it the same thing as the "cylinder head"? If that's the case, I think what you describe was what they were trying to tell me is wrong with the car. I don't think they tested for coolant system combustion gases.
(I since moved and towed the car with me to a new location.) What do you suggest is the best way to fix this issue?
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 26, 2012, 6:41 AM
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Re: 2002 Nissan Sentra Overheats BADLY
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Well, you can't fix it until you determine the cause. Probably would be a good idea to start out by having it tested for combustion gasses in the coolant system. Make sure that both heater hoses are hot when the engine is at operating temperature. If the cooling fans come on when it starts to run hot, make sure the air flowing from them is hot. Feel the upper and lower radiator hoses. Those both should be hot at operating temperature. If the passages are clogged in the cylinder head, your going to have to remove the head to clean them out.
The engine is only going to take so much of overheating before there is some major mechanical damage, so keep that in mind.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Aug 26, 2012, 6:43 AM)
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IsaacD
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Aug 26, 2012, 7:53 AM
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Re: 2002 Nissan Sentra Overheats BADLY
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Yes, I do remember them explaining to me that the fluid in the radiator and in the hoses is cool even while the engine is severely hot. They didn't name that test, though. But, what you describe is what's going on. It's not just the fan also because I had a repair job on that and the fan comes on every time.
If that's the case, I think I should take their word for it that that's what's wrong with it. What is the most affordable way to fix this clog? They told me that it's 100% clogged and that it's going to take a $1100 job of taking the head to a specialist who will machine it out so they can put the unclogged head back in. Does that sound like what should be done?
Could you recommend a good mechanic in the DMV area? (I live in Maryland, close to DC) Or, should I take it to a Nissan dealership and get it fixed?
(This post was edited by IsaacD on Aug 26, 2012, 7:55 AM)
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 26, 2012, 8:09 AM
Post #6 of 6
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Re: 2002 Nissan Sentra Overheats BADLY
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You could take it to the dealer. If you want to take it to an independent shop, ask friend's or coworkers where they take their vehicles. Stay away from the back yard mechanics or ones that don't have a business license or are not insured.
If the cooling passages are clogged inside the cylinder head, it is going to have to be removed and sent off to a machine shop to be checked out. There are also water jackets around the cylinder bores and steams holes( transfer holes) between the cylinder head and engine block that are going to have to be inspected.
It is also possible that if combustion gasses from a bad firing ring(s) of the head gasket, cracked cylinder walls, and/or cracked head can allow combustion gasses to get into the coolant system. Basically that puts super hot air pockets into the coolant system and will cause overheating. They can test for combustion gases using a chemical or with an exhaust gas analyzer.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Aug 26, 2012, 8:11 AM)
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