Car overheating, antifreeze missing w/Bar's Leaks head gasket fix

Asked by Lavina Sep 07, 2016 at 06:37 PM about the 1998 Cadillac DeVille Sedan FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

99 Cadillac DeVille 140k miles, I've replaced since
May 2016: original coolant reservoir, thermostat
2x's, water pump, top & bottom radiator hose,
tensioner & belt, major tune up and still antifreeze
is evaporating from reservoir causing overheating
temps up to 255 degree. Yesterday I used head
gasket fix costing $44 and 1 1/2 gallons of
antifreeze to seal any possible cracks in gaskets  
but today tank is bone dry. The car runs excellent  
but we did bypass the heating coil last week to see
if that would help, NOPE. I'm stressed, only car for
me and kids, car doesn't smoke, run ruff, no steam
under hood,  the coolant top isn't even too hot to
unscrew AFTER the car has over heated. What do I
do PLEASE I have kids to get to school and low
income.

5 Answers

145

sounds as though it doesn't have enough coolant also did you follow directions

145

have you car pressure tested to see what's leaking. I had the same problem and thought is was the head gasket of my 03 but found out the radiator had a leak. Replaced it just before I put the stop leak in and have no problems. If the head gasket, look on the internet, there is a special stop leak for north star engines, cost about $180.00. I would change oil and trans fluid after a over heat

Sounds like radiator ... Small water tanks each side are plastic ...they can get hairline cracks ... allow air to get into system I just replaced mine ... no overheat ..no lose of coolant Radiator was $70 E-bay .. new It not easy job ... that's why shop wants $600+ Watch u tube videos ...for basic game plan

Have you checked the radiator if it's old and not letting water run thru it may cause over heating, I went thru it where I changed water pump and thermostat and still over heated, if u think it could be the thermostat u could remove it completely and it will work ,run cold but no damages will come from it other than a little bit of horse power, just to test if it was the thermostat. If still runs hot without thermostat then it's the radiator. But if u have milky oil , result of coolant leaking into the oil, then it's the head gasket which is difficult and expensive to fix. I'd recommend getting a new car, if it's the Head gasket.

Also cars with Northstar engines take special pelets they sell at Cadillac for 7 dollars or so for cooling, these cars take alot of special care.

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