If you have electric fans, they might not be coming on, definiely not coming on if the thermostat is out, other than that, check to see if you have all the air out of the cooling system, make sure the vehicle is cooled off and full with coolant, start the engine with the radiator cap off. If the water pump is working and you have the thermostat out you will notice an immediate circulation of coolant. If not, the impellers in the water pump are probably gone. If you have circulation, have the radiator cap checked and replace if necessary, put the thermostat back in where it belongs. Alto of vehicles depend on the resistance of the thermostat to tell the ECM or PCM what to do next. If it still overheats after the fans come on, the thermostat opens, the cap and the water pump are confirmed good. Pull the dipstick out and look for water in the oil, this will be more than likely a milky substance. If water is present in the oil, your looking probably at a blowed or seeping head gasket or even a cracked or warped head. Note: DO NOT EVER put water in a overheated engine, the results usually are catastrophic! Lastly, keep in mind, people who work at Auto Parts Stores more than likely work there because they are NOT mechanics even though they might think they know it all. Here's what a majority know, they know how to read a computer screen, some not even that bright, other than that they are clueless. Good Luck! Jerry Neighoff
Neighoff Services Center
Pasadena, MD 21122
